das  Juwel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/juˈveːl/

💎 What Exactly is 'das Juwel'?

The German word das Juwel (noun, neuter) primarily has two meanings:

1. A precious gemstone: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a cut and often set gemstone, used as jewelry or having high material value. Examples include diamonds, rubies, or sapphires once they have been processed.
2. Something or someone particularly valuable (figurative): In a figurative sense, "Juwel" can also describe a person, place, or thing regarded as exceptionally valuable, beautiful, or outstanding. It expresses high appreciation.

Luckily, there's only one article for Juwel: das. It's a neuter noun.

🧐 Grammar of 'das Juwel' in Detail

"Juwel" is a noun with the neuter article das. It is declined as follows:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

• Der Ring war mit einem wertvollen Juwel besetzt. (The ring was set with a valuable jewel.)
• Sie betrachtete die ausgestellten Juwelen im Museum. (She looked at the exhibited jewels in the museum.)
• Dieses alte Buch ist ein wahres Juwel unserer Bibliothek. (This old book is a true gem of our library.)
• Er nannte seine Tochter liebevoll sein kleines Juwel. (He lovingly called his daughter his little jewel.)

💬 How to Use 'Juwel'?

The usage of "Juwel" depends on the context:

• In the context of jewelry: Here, it directly refers to cut gemstones. One talks about rings, necklaces, or crowns set with Juwelen. Example: "Die Königin trug prächtige Juwelen." (The queen wore magnificent jewels.)
• In a figurative sense: This usage expresses high appreciation. It can refer to talented people ("Sie ist ein Juwel für unser Team." - She is a gem for our team.), valuable objects ("Dieses Auto ist ein echtes Juwel." - This car is a real gem.), or special places ("Diese kleine Bucht ist ein verstecktes Juwel." - This little bay is a hidden gem.).

Distinction from 'Edelstein' (gemstone): While 'Edelstein' often refers to the raw or cut stone itself, 'Juwel' more frequently implies the processed, often set stone as part of a piece of jewelry or as a particularly valuable specimen. In the figurative sense, 'Juwel' is almost exclusively used.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Juwel'

For the article 'das': Imagine 'das Kind' (the child) admiring 'das Juwel' (the jewel) in the shop window. Many neutral things that are admired or possessed are neuter in German ('das Kind', 'das Spielzeug' - the toy, 'das Schmuckstück' - the piece of jewelry). Think: 'Das' is dazzling! (like a jewel).

For the meaning: It's very close to the English word 'jewel'. You can also think of the exclamation "Jewel-bilation!" when finding something precious.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse 'Juwel' with 'Jubilar' (a person celebrating an anniversary/jubilee).

😂 A Little Jewel Joke

Fragt der Dieb den Juwelier: "Sind Ihre Diamanten echt?"
Sagt der Juwelier: "Wenn sie es nicht wären, würde ich Ihnen doch wohl kaum 10.000 Euro pro Stück abknöpfen, oder?"
Meint der Dieb: "Stimmt auch wieder. Na dann nehm' ich drei!"

Translation:
The thief asks the jeweler: "Are your diamonds real?"
The jeweler says: "If they weren't, I'd hardly charge you €10,000 apiece, would I?"
The thief replies: "Good point. Okay, I'll take three!"

📜 Poem about a Juwel

Ein Funkeln klar, ein Licht so rein,
das Juwel, gefasst in Goldesschein.
Es birgt die Kraft von alter Zeit,
ein Schatz von selt'ner Kostbarkeit.

Doch nicht nur Stein, so hart und kalt,
ein Lächeln, eine Geste alt,
ein Freund, ein Wort zur rechten Stund',
ist oft das schönste Juwel im Bund.

Translation:
A sparkle clear, a light so pure,
the jewel, set in gold's allure.
It holds the power of ancient times,
a treasure of rare, precious chimes.

But not just stone, so hard and cold,
a smile, a gesture ages old,
a friend, a word when needed most,
is often the finest jewel we boast.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich glitzere und funkle sehr,
bin kostbar und begehrt noch mehr.
Man trägt mich stolz an Hals und Hand,
bin oft aus fernem, tiefem Land.
Man sagt auch, Gutes sei wie ich,
so wertvoll, rein und sicherlich
ein Schatz, ob Mensch, ob Ding, ob Ort.
Na, kennst du nun mein Zauberwort?

Translation:
I glitter and I sparkle bright,
am precious and desired with might.
Worn proudly on the neck and hand,
often from a deep and distant land.
They also say good things are like me,
so valuable, pure, and certainly
a treasure, be it person, thing, or place.
Well, do you know my magic phrase?

Solution: das Juwel (the jewel)

💡 More Facts about das Juwel

Etymology: The German word "Juwel" comes from Middle High German juwēl, which in turn derives from Old French joel. The origin likely lies in the Latin word jocalis, meaning "belonging to jest" or "jocular," which was later transferred to refer to trinkets and jewelry (compare Latin jocus for "jest," "play").

Kronjuwelen (Crown Jewels): A well-known term is "Kronjuwelen", referring to the regalia and jewelry of royal or imperial families.