das  Amulett

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌʔamuˈlɛt/

📜 What Exactly is an 'Amulett'?

An Amulett (neuter, article: das) is an object, often a piece of jewelry, that is believed to possess magical powers. It is usually worn on the body and is intended to protect its wearer from harm, illness, or evil spirits, or to bring good luck.

There is only this one article, das, for Amulett, so there's no risk of confusion with other meanings based on the article. 😌

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Amulett

The noun 'Amulett' is neuter and is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

• Sie trug ein kleines Amulett um den Hals. (She wore a small amulet around her neck.)
• Man sagt, dieses Amulett schütze vor bösen Blicken. (It is said that this amulet protects against the evil eye.)
• Auf dem Markt wurden viele verschiedene Amulette verkauft. (Many different amulets were sold at the market.)
• Der Wert des Amuletts war eher ideell als materiell. (The value of the amulet was more sentimental than material.)

💡 When to Use 'das Amulett'?

The term Amulett is used when talking about objects that are said to have a protective or luck-bringing effect. Typical contexts include:

• Esotericism & Spirituality: In connection with belief in supernatural powers.
• History & Archaeology: Describing artifacts from ancient cultures.
• Jewelry: When a piece of jewelry explicitly serves as a protective charm or lucky charm.
• Literature & Film: Often as a magical object in fantasy stories.

Unlike purely decorative jewelry, the (supposed) effect is the main focus of an Amulett. A Talisman (der) is very similar, but is often seen more as a lucky charm than a protective object, although the terms are frequently used synonymously.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article 'das': Think of it as THE protective object. Many neuter nouns in German refer to concrete objects or concepts, like das Amulett. It's a thing, an item = das.

Meaning: The word Amulett sounds a bit like 'I'm-u-letting' it protect me. Imagine you are 'letting' this object keep you safe.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms for Amulett

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse 'Amulett' with purely decorative jewelry like a Kette (die Kette - necklace) or a Anhänger (der Anhänger - pendant), even though an amulet often takes the form of a pendant.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Amulett und einem Thermometer?"
Schüler: "Wenn das Amulett runterfällt, ist es kaputt. Wenn das Thermometer runterfällt, ist Frühling!" 😉
(Teacher asks: "What's the difference between an amulet and a thermometer?"
Student: "If the amulet falls down, it's broken. If the thermometer falls down, it's spring!") [Pun: 'runterfallen' can mean 'to fall down' or 'to drop (in temperature)']

✍️ Poem about the Amulett

Ein kleines Ding, an Kordel fein,
das Amulett, soll bei dir sein.
Gegen Kummer, Angst und Not,
gibt es Kraft, hält fern den Tod?
Ein Glaube stark, ein Hoffnungslicht,
man trägt es nah, vergisst es nicht.

(A little thing, on a fine cord,
the amulet, should be with you.
Against sorrow, fear, and need,
does it give strength, keep death away indeed?
A strong belief, a light of hope,
one wears it close, learns how to cope.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich häng' am Hals, bin oft ganz klein,
soll dir Schutz und Glück verleih'n.
Man glaubt an meine Zaubermacht,
hab' über dich schon oft gewacht.

Was bin ich? (... Das Amulett)

(I hang on your neck, am often quite small,
I'm meant to grant protection and luck to all.
People believe in my magic might,
I've often watched over you, day and night.

What am I?
... The Amulet / das Amulett)

🌐 More Trivia

Etymology: The word 'Amulett' likely comes from the Latin amuletum, the exact origin of which is uncertain. Possible sources include the Arabic ḥamā'il (sword belt, also worn as an amulet) or the Latin amoliri (to ward off, drive away).

Cultural Significance: Amulets are found in almost all cultures and eras worldwide, from ancient Egyptian scarabs to modern lucky charms.