der
Marmor
💎 What Exactly is 'Marmor'?
Der Marmor is the German word for marble. It refers to a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite, dolomite, or aragonite minerals. It's formed when limestone or other carbonate-rich rocks are transformed by high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth.
Characteristic features of marble often include its crystalline structure and varied veining (also called Maserung or Äderung in German), giving it a noble appearance.
Since antiquity, it has been prized as a valuable material for sculptures (Skulpturen) and in architecture (Architektur), for example, for columns (Säulen), floors (Böden), and facades (Fassaden).
There is only one article for this word: der Marmor. It has no other meanings associated with different articles. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-or → almost always masculine.
Minerals → mostly masculine.
Caution: Compare with the category "Materials and metals"! Das Mineral, das Material, das Metall.
🧐 Grammar of "der Marmor" in Detail
Der Marmor is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Marmor |
| Genitive | des Marmors |
| Dative | dem Marmor |
| Accusative | den Marmor |
Plural
The plural of Marmor (die Marmore) is used less frequently and usually refers to different types or varieties of marble, or individual pieces of marble.
| Case | Plural |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Marmore |
| Genitive | der Marmore |
| Dative | den Marmoren |
| Accusative | die Marmore |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Statue wurde aus weißem Marmor gefertigt. (The statue was made of white marble.)
- Der Fußboden im Palast bestand aus poliertem Marmor. (The floor in the palace was made of polished marble.)
- Die Aderung des Marmors machte jedes Stück einzigartig. (The veining of the marble made each piece unique.)
- Wir bewunderten die verschiedenen Marmore im Steinbruch. (We admired the different types of marble in the quarry.)
🏛️ Usage in Context
Der Marmor is mainly used in contexts related to luxury, art, architecture, and high-quality materials.
- Construction & Architecture: Fassadenverkleidungen (facade cladding), Bodenbeläge (flooring), Treppen (stairs), Fensterbänke (windowsills), Säulen (columns).
- Sculpture: Skulpturen (sculptures), Denkmäler (monuments), Büsten (busts).
- Interior Design: Tischplatten (tabletops), Arbeitsplatten (countertops) (kitchen, bathroom), Kaminverkleidungen (fireplace surrounds), Dekorationsgegenstände (decorative objects).
The adjective marmoriert describes a surface that looks like marble (e.g., a marmorierter Kuchen (marbled cake), marmoriertes Papier (marbled paper)).
Figuratively, something can be "kühl wie Marmor" (cool as marble), indicating emotional coldness or aloofness.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Marmor"
Article Mnemonic: Think of a DERmatologist admiring the smooth, cool surface of Marmor. DERmatologist helps remember DER Marmor.
Meaning Mnemonic: Marmor sounds like marvelous - and marble is a marvelous, beautiful stone.
🔄 Similar and Contrasting Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Kalkstein (limestone - often the precursor rock, but not identical)
- Gestein (rock, stone - general term)
- Naturstein (natural stone - general term)
⚠️ Similar but Different Words:
- Marmorierung: The veining pattern itself.
- marmoriert: The adjective (looking like marble).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Stein den anderen: "Warum bist du so traurig?"
Antwortet der andere Stein: "Ich habe gestern meinen Marmor verloren!"
Translation:
One stone asks another: "Why are you so sad?"
The other stone replies: "I lost my marble yesterday!"
(Pun based on German "Marmor" (marble stone) and "Murmel" (marble toy), which sound somewhat similar and relate to losing one's 'marbles' (sanity).)
📜 Poem about Marble
Der Marmor, kühl und rein,
in Adern fein durchzogen.
Aus dir wird Kunst und Schein,
von Meistern hoch gewogen.
Ob Säule, Bad, Altar,
dein Glanz bleibt wunderbar.
Translation:
The marble, cool and pure,
Finely threaded with veins.
From you comes art and allure,
Highly valued by masters' reigns.
Be it column, bath, or altar,
Your gleam remains spectacular.
🤔 Who or What Am I?
Ich bin ein Stein, doch edel und glatt,
man findet mich oft in Bad und Stadt.
Bildhauer lieben mein weißes Kleid,
für Statuen voller Anmut und Zeit.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am a stone, yet noble and smooth,
You often find me in bathroom and city booth.
Sculptors love my white attire,
For statues full of grace and time's pyre.
What am I?
(Solution: der Marmor / marble)
✨ Interesting Facts about Marmor
- Etymology: The word "Marmor" comes from the Ancient Greek word μάρμαρος (mármaros), meaning "shining stone".
- Famous Examples: The Parthenon in Athens, Michelangelo's David, the Taj Mahal – many world-famous structures and artworks are made of marble (Marmor).
- Carrara Marble: One of the most famous and sought-after types of marble comes from Carrara, Italy (Carrara-Marmor).
- Care: Marble is sensitive to acid (e.g., vinegar or lemon juice), which can cause stains (Flecken).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Marmor?
The German word 'Marmor' is masculine, so the correct article is der Marmor. It refers to marble, a metamorphic rock commonly used in art and architecture.