der
Samt
🧶 What Exactly is 'Samt'?
Der Samt (noun, masculine) refers to a fabric with a characteristically soft, plush surface. This surface is created by a cut or uncut pile of threads protruding from the base weave.
Samt is often made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers and is considered a noble material, frequently used for festive clothing, furniture upholstery, or curtains.
There is only the article der for this word.
🧐 Grammar of 'der Samt' in Detail
The word 'Samt' is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:
Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der Samt | ein Samt |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des Samtes / des Samts | eines Samtes / eines Samts |
| Dative (To/For whom?) | dem Samt / dem Samte | einem Samt / einem Samte |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den Samt | einen Samt |
Plural
The plural 'die Samte' is very rare and is mostly used to refer to different types of velvet.
| Case | Definite Article |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Samte |
| Genitive | der Samte |
| Dative | den Samten |
| Accusative | die Samte |
Example Sentences
- Das Kleid ist aus schwerem, dunkelrotem Samt gefertigt. (The dress is made of heavy, dark red velvet.)
- Der Samt des Sofas fühlt sich sehr weich an. (The velvet of the sofa feels very soft.)
- Sie strich sanft über den Samt des Vorhangs. (She gently stroked the velvet of the curtain.)
- Für die Kollektion wurden verschiedene Samte verwendet (selten!). (Various types of velvet were used for the collection (rare!).)
🛋️ How to Use 'Samt'?
Context: 'Der Samt' is mainly used to describe the specific fabric.
- Fashion: Dresses, jackets, trousers, accessories (e.g., Haarbänder aus Samt - velvet headbands).
- Interior Design: Sofas, armchairs, cushions, curtains, bedspreads.
- Figuratively: Sometimes the softness is used metaphorically, e.g., "eine Stimme wie Samt" (a voice like velvet).
Distinctions:
- Samt vs. Velours: Velours is similar but usually has a shorter and denser pile. In everyday language, the terms are often used interchangeably.
- Samt vs. Plüsch: Plüsch (plush) has a significantly longer pile than Samt and is often less dense.
The term 'Samt' often conveys a sense of luxury, elegance, and softness.
💡 Mnemonics for 'der Samt'
Remembering the Article: Imagine a distinguished gentleman (masculine - 'der') wearing a suit made of Samt. Or think: Samt is masculine. 'Der' sounds a bit like 'dear', and velvet is dear/expensive.
Remembering the Meaning: Think of the softness: So adorable material for touching! Feel the soft fabric in your mind's eye.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Velours (very similar, often used synonymously)
- Pannesamt (panne velvet, a type of velvet with a crushed pile)
- Nicki / Nicky (velour fabric, stretchy with a velvet-like surface, often used for children's clothing)
⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with 'sanft' (adjective meaning soft/gentle).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Samtvorhang aufgehört, mit dem Seidenvorhang zu reden?
Weil er fand, die Seide sei zu glatt und oberflächlich!
(Why did the velvet curtain stop talking to the silk curtain?
Because he found the silk too 'smooth' (slick/superficial)!)
✍️ Poem about Velvet
Der Samt, so weich, ein dunkler Traum,
Auf Kissen, Thron und engem Saum.
Ein Hauch von Luxus, sanft und schwer,
Streicht man darüber, wünscht man mehr.
Sein Glanz im Licht, ein tiefes Spiel,
Der Samt verleiht der Nacht Gefühl.
(Velvet, so soft, a dark dream,
On cushions, throne, and narrow seam.
A touch of luxury, gentle and deep,
Stroke it once, secrets to keep.
Its sheen in light, a profound play,
Velvet gives feeling to the fading day.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Stoff, bekannt für Weichheit pur,
Verleih' Eleganz an jede Kontur.
Mal schimmernd, mal matt, doch immer adrett,
Auf Möbeln, Gewändern, im königlichen Bett.
Mein Name klingt edel, mein Griff ist bekannt.
Mit 'der' steh ich vorne, im deutschen Land.
Was bin ich?
(I am a fabric, known for pure softness,
Lending elegance to every contour.
Sometimes shimmering, sometimes matte, but always neat,
On furniture, garments, in the royal suite.
My name sounds noble, my touch is renowned.
With 'der' I stand first, on German ground.
What am I?)
Solution: Der Samt (Velvet)
✨ Further Insights
Etymology: The German word 'Samt' comes from Middle Latin 'samitum', which in turn was borrowed from Greek 'hexamitos' (six-threaded). It entered German via Old French 'samit'.
Production: Samt (velvet) is made using a special weaving technique where extra threads (pile warp threads) are worked into the base fabric. These threads form loops on the surface. If the loops are cut, it creates cut velvet (the typical Samt). If they remain uncut, it's called uncut velvet or Epinglé.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Samt?
The word "Samt" referring to the soft fabric is always masculine. The correct article is exclusively der Samt.