der
Kaschmir
🧣 What does "der Kaschmir" mean?
Der Kaschmir refers to a very fine and soft natural fiber obtained from the undercoat of the Kashmir goat. It's a material often used for high-quality clothing such as sweaters (Pullover), scarves (Schals), or hats (Mützen).
There is only one article for the word when referring to the material: der Kaschmir (masculine).
- Meaning: The fine wool of the Kashmir goat or the fabric/product made from it.
🚨 Attention: Sometimes "Kaschmir" is used as a short form for a Kaschmirpullover (cashmere sweater) or a Kaschmirschal (cashmere scarf). The article remains "der". Example: "Ich trage heute meinen Kaschmir." (meaning the sweater).
🧐 Grammar of Kaschmir in Detail
As a material noun, "Kaschmir" is masculine (der) and is generally used in the singular, as it is an uncountable noun (Stoffname).
Declension (Singular):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Kaschmir |
| Genitive | des | Kaschmirs |
| Dative | dem | Kaschmir |
| Accusative | den | Kaschmir |
⚠️ The plural ("die Kaschmirs") is very uncommon. It might theoretically refer to different types of cashmere wool, but it's practically never used in everyday language.
Example Sentences
- Der Kaschmir fühlt sich unglaublich weich an.
Cashmere feels incredibly soft. - Die Qualität des Kaschmirs rechtfertigt den hohen Preis.
The quality of the cashmere justifies the high price. - Ich kuschele mich gerne in meinen Schal aus Kaschmir.
I like to snuggle up in my cashmere scarf. - Sie kaufte sich einen Pullover aus reinem Kaschmir.
She bought herself a pure cashmere sweater.
💡 Everyday Usage
"Der Kaschmir" is primarily used in the context of fashion, textiles, and luxury goods. It describes the material itself.
- Typical Contexts: Describing clothes (Pullover, Schals, Mützen, Decken), discussing material quality, shopping for high-end goods.
- Style: Rather sophisticated, as cashmere is considered a precious material.
- Comparison: Similar to other material nouns (e.g., die Seide - silk, die Wolle - wool, das Leder - leather), but specific to this goat wool.
🧠 Mnemonics
For the article: Think of "der Pullover" or "der Schal" – many items often made of cashmere are masculine in German. This helps remember der Kaschmir.
For the meaning: Imagine something soft giving you "cash" comfort – it's luxurious like cashmere. Or think of the soft feeling when you "caress" the material -> Caress-mir -> Kaschmir.
🔄 Synonyms & Related Terms
Synonyms
- Kaschmirwolle: A more precise term for the raw material (cashmere wool).
- Pashmina: Often used synonymously, but strictly speaking refers to a particularly fine type of cashmere wool from the Himalayan region, often used for shawls.
Similar but different terms:
- Mohair: Wool from the Angora goat (not the Kashmir goat).
- Angora: Wool from the Angora rabbit.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum tragen Schafe keine Kaschmirpullover?
Weil sie nicht wollen, dass man sie mit Ziegen verwechselt! 😉
--- English Translation ---
Why don't sheep wear cashmere sweaters?
Because they don't want to be mistaken for goats! 😉
📜 Poem about Cashmere
Der Kaschmir, weich und fein,
hüllt dich sanft und wohlig ein.
Von Ziegenhaar, so zart gesponnen,
hat Herzen schnell gewonnen.
Ein Hauch von Luxus, warm und licht,
mehr braucht es oft im Winter nicht.
--- English Translation ---
The cashmere, soft and fine,
wraps you gently, makes you feel divine.
From goat hair, so delicately spun,
has quickly captured everyone.
A touch of luxury, warm and bright,
often all you need on a winter's night.
❓ Riddle
Ich komme von der Ziege, bin edel und bekannt,
man macht aus mir Gewebe, im ganzen Modeland.
Ich bin sehr weich und wärme gut,
mach Pullover und Schals mit Mut.
Mein Artikel ist "der", das ist klar.
Was bin ich wohl? Na wunderbar,
es ist ...?
--- English Translation ---
I come from the goat, am noble and well-known,
Fabric is made from me, in the fashion zone.
I am very soft and keep you warm,
Make sweaters and scarves safe from harm.
My article is "der", that much is clear.
What am I? Oh wonderful, dear,
it is...?
Solution: Der Kaschmir (Cashmere)
🌐 Other Information
Origin of the Name: The name "Kaschmir" derives from the region of Kashmir in the Himalayas, where the Kashmir goats originally come from and where the processing of the wool has a long tradition.
Harvesting: The fine undercoat of the Kashmir goat is combed out or collected once a year in spring during the shedding season. Only a few hundred grams of this valuable fiber are obtained per goat, which explains the high price.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kaschmir?
The word "Kaschmir", referring to the luxurious wool or the products made from it, is always masculine: der Kaschmir.