---
title: "Using the getText data type"
manual: "TypoScript Explained"
version: "14.3"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3tsref:using-gettext@14.3"
source: "Guide/TypoScriptFunctions/GetText/Index.rst"
rendered: "2026-10-01T16:17:37+00:00"
---

# Using the getText data type {#using-gettext}

There's one particular data type which might leave you wondering, because it
may seem to behave rather like a function. This is
[getText](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3tsref:data-type-gettext@14.3).

The `data` property of [stdWrap](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3tsref:stdwrap@14.3) has this
particular data type. It makes it possible retrieve values from a large number
of sources, including:

-   global TYPO3 CMS arrays
-   GET/POST vars
-   database
-   localized strings
-   page rootline

Here are some examples:

```typoscript
10 = TEXT
10.data = field:abstract
```

Creates a text object that contains the value of the "abstract" field from the
current page:

```typoscript
10 = TEXT
10.data = leveltitle:0
```

Creates a text object that contains the title of the page on level 0 of the
current branch, i.e. the website root for that branch:

```typoscript
10 = TEXT
10.data = LLL:my_extension.messages:siteTitle
```

Creates a text object that contains the value of the "siteTitle" string in the
given localization, appropriately translated for the current language.

As you can see, the base syntax is a keyword, then a colon (`:`) and then some
values that makes with regards to the chosen keyword. Although such a tool may
appear to be a function, it is not considered one as it is entirely defined on
the right side of the assignment and is thus not a property of any given
TypoScript object.

This is just a very quick overview. As usual, the [TypoScript Reference](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3tsref:data-type-gettext@14.3) is your friend.