der  Schleier

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃlaɪ̯ɐ/

🧐 What does "der Schleier" mean?

Der Schleier is a German noun with several meanings:

• Piece of fabric: A thin, often translucent cloth, usually worn by women to cover the face or hair. It's commonly seen at weddings (Brautschleier - bridal veil) or in specific religious and cultural contexts.

• Figurative meaning (covering/obscurity): Something that obstructs vision or conceals something, like fog (Nebel), haze (Dunst), or smoke (Rauch). Example: Ein Schleier des Vergessens legte sich über die Ereignisse. (A veil of oblivion fell over the events.)

• Figurative meaning (mystery): Something opaque or mysterious. Example: Den Schleier des Geheimnisses lüften. (To lift the veil of secrecy.)

⚠️ The article is always der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "der Schleier" in Detail

The noun "Schleier" is masculine. Here is its declension:

💡 Examples for Grammar

1. Die Braut trug einen langen Schleier.
   (The bride wore a long veil. - Accusative Singular)
2. Der Wind spielte mit dem Schleier der Tänzerin.
   (The wind played with the dancer's veil. - Dative Singular)
3. Durch den Schleier des Nebels war kaum etwas zu sehen.
   (Through the veil of fog, hardly anything could be seen. - Genitive Singular)
4. Viele Frauen trugen bei der Zeremonie bunte Schleier.
   (Many women wore colorful veils at the ceremony. - Accusative Plural)
5. Das Geheimnis wurde hinter vielen Schleiern verborgen.
   (The secret was hidden behind many veils. - Dative Plural)

🗣️ How to use "Schleier"?

The term "Schleier" is used in various contexts:

• Fashion & Weddings: The Brautschleier (bridal veil) is a classic accessory.
• Religion & Culture: In some cultures or religions, wearing a Schleier (e.g., Hijab, Niqab) is common or prescribed.
• Natural Phenomena: A Nebelschleier (veil of fog) or Dunstschleier (veil of haze) describes slight visual impairment due to weather.
• Figurative Language: "Schleier" is very often used metaphorically to express secrecy, obscurity, or forgetting. Idioms like "den Schleier lüften" (to lift the veil, i.e., uncover a secret) or "unter dem Schleier der Nacht" (under the veil of night, i.e., under the cover of darkness) are common.
• Mourning: Sometimes a Trauerschleier (mourning veil) is worn.

Compared to Tuch (cloth), a Schleier is more specific and often thinner or more ceremonial. Compared to Nebel (fog), a Schleier (of fog) is often thinner and less dense.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der mysterious man under the veil (Schleier)". The "er" sound helps remember "der".

Meaning Mnemonic: A Schleier is like a sly mist or cloth that conceals something, making it unclear or slyly hidden.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Schleife (die): Bow (like on a gift), loop, or curve. Do not confuse with Schleier!

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Geist einen Schleier getragen?
(Why did the ghost wear a veil?)

Damit ihn niemand durchschaut! 😉
(So that nobody could see through him! - a pun, as "durchschauen" means both "to see through" physically and "to figure someone out")

📜 A Poem about the Schleier

Ein Schleier zart, aus Traum gewebt,
(A tender veil, woven from dreams,)
Der überm Antlitz leise schwebt.
(That softly floats above the face.)
Mal schützt er, was verborgen liegt,
(Sometimes it protects what lies hidden,)
Mal ist's ein Nebel, der uns wiegt.
(Sometimes it's a mist that cradles us.)
Mal lüftet er sich, Stück für Stück,
(Sometimes it lifts, piece by piece,)
Bringt Wahrheit oder Glück zurück.
(Bringing back truth or happiness.)

🕵️‍♀️ Little Riddle

Ich kann aus Stoff sein, zart und fein,
(I can be made of fabric, delicate and fine,)
Bedecke oft das Angesicht allein.
(Often covering the face alone.)
Ich kann auch Nebel sein, ganz dicht,
(I can also be fog, quite dense,)
Verberge manches vor dem Licht.
(Hiding many things from the light.)
Die Braut trägt mich, mit Stolz und Ehr,
(The bride wears me, with pride and honor,)
Wer bin ich? Sag es mir doch sehr!
(Who am I? Tell me, please do!)

Solution: Der Schleier (The veil)

🌐 Other Information

Word Formation: The word "Schleier" is likely related to the verb "schleiern", meaning "to veil" or "to make indistinct".

Cultural Significance: The Schleier has deep symbolic meaning in many cultures and eras, ranging from protection and modesty to mystery and seduction.

Idioms:

• Den Schleier lüften: To lift the veil (uncover a secret).
• Unter dem Schleier der Verschwiegenheit: Under the veil of secrecy.
• Ein Schleier des Vergessens: A veil of oblivion/forgetfulness.