die  Glut

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡluːt/

🔥 What does 'die Glut' mean?

Die Glut (feminine) primarily describes two things:

1. Glowing mass without flames: This is the most common meaning. It refers to material (like coal, wood, metal) that is intensely hot and glows red or orange after a fire or due to extreme heat, but no longer has visible flames. Think of the remains of a campfire or the charcoal in a barbecue.
   Example: Die letzte Glut im Kamin wärmte den Raum. (The last embers in the fireplace warmed the room.)
2. Figurative meaning (passion, intensity): Metaphorically, die Glut represents very strong, intense feelings, especially passion, fervor, zeal, or even anger.
   Example: Sie sprach mit der Glut der Überzeugung. (She spoke with the fervor of conviction.) Die Glut der Liebe erfüllte sie. (The ardor of love filled her.)

⚠️ It's important to distinguish Glut (no flame) from Feuer (fire with flames) and Hitze (heat as a state of temperature).

🧐 Grammar & Declension of 'die Glut'

The noun 'Glut' is feminine. The article is die.

🚨 Important Note: The plural 'die Gluten' is very rare and mostly used in poetic language or sometimes technically to refer to different types of embers. Generally, 'Glut' is used as an uncountable noun in the singular for both its literal and figurative meanings.

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominativ: Die Glut des Feuers war noch heiß.
  (The embers of the fire were still hot.)
• Akkusativ: Er starrte in die Glut.
  (He stared into the embers.)
• Dativ: Vorsicht vor der Glut!
  (Be careful of the embers!)
• Genitiv: Die Wärme der Glut war angenehm.
  (The warmth of the embers was pleasant.)
• Figurativ: Mit der Glut der Jugend verteidigte er seine Ideen.
  (With the fervor of youth, he defended his ideas.)

💡 How to use 'die Glut'?

The usage of 'Glut' depends on the context:

• Literal meaning: Most common in contexts involving fire, barbecues, fireplaces, forges, or volcanoes. It describes the state after the open fire or extreme heating.
  • Die Holzkohle hatte eine perfekte Glut zum Grillen. (The charcoal had perfect embers for grilling.)
  • Vulkanasche besteht oft aus feiner Glut. (Volcanic ash often consists of fine embers/glowing particles.)
• Figurative meaning: Often used in literature, poetry, or elevated language to express strong emotions. Can be positive (passion, love, zeal) or negative (anger, hatred).
  • Seine Augen spiegelten die Glut seines Zorns wider. (His eyes reflected the heat/intensity of his anger.)
  • Die Glut ihrer ersten Liebe war unvergesslich. (The passion/ardor of their first love was unforgettable.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Feuer: Burning with visible flames.
• Hitze: The state of high temperature, often abstract.
• Asche: The powdery residue after complete combustion, without heat or glow.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Glut'

For the article 'die': Think of 'die Wärme' (the warmth) or 'die Leidenschaft' (the passion) – both feminine concepts in German closely related to 'Glut'. Alternatively, 'Glut' ends in '-ut', like many feminine nouns (e.g., die Flut - the flood, die Brut - the brood, die Wut - the rage).

For the meaning: Imagine something so hot it's 'good' that it 'glows' -> GLow + hoT -> Glut. Or simply connect it to the English word 'glow' – die Glut glows.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but misleading words:

• Gluten (das): Protein in grains. Completely different meaning and article!
• Flut (die): Flood, high tide. Sounds similar but unrelated to heat.

😂 A little joke

Warum sollte man der Glut nie Geheimnisse erzählen?

Weil sie immer alles ausplaudert und dabei rot wird! 🔥

---

Why should you never tell secrets to embers (die Glut)?

Because they always spill the beans and turn red while doing it! 🔥

📜 Poem about 'die Glut'

Stille Wärme, tiefes Rot,
Keine Flamme, nur die Not,
Sich zu wärmen, still und rein,
An der Glut, dem letzten Schein.

Auch im Herzen kann sie sein,
Leidenschaft, mal groß, mal klein,
Eine Glut, die still entfacht,
Gefühle weckt bei Tag und Nacht.

---

Silent warmth, a deep red hue,
No flame burning, just the clue,
Of the need for warmth, serene,
From the embers, last light seen.

In the heart, it too can dwell,
Passion's fire, small or swell,
Embers glowing, softly bright,
Waking feelings, day and night.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe Hitze, doch keine Flamme.
Ich bin das Ende vom Feuerstamme.
Ich kann im Herzen brennen heiß,
Mal lieb, mal zornig, wie man weiß.

Was bin ich? (Auflösung: die Glut)

---

I have heat, but not a flame.
I'm what remains when fire came.
I can burn hot within the heart,
Sometimes lovely, sometimes tart.

What am I?
(Answer: die Glut / embers)

🌐 Other Information

Word Composition & Origin:

• The word 'Glut' comes from the Old High German word 'gluot', which also meant “ember, heat, fire”.
• It is closely related to the verb 'glühen' (to glow).
• It appears in compound words such as: Glutofen (kiln, furnace), Holzkohlenglut (charcoal embers), Zigarettenglut (cigarette ember), glutrot (ember-red), glutheiß (ember-hot).

Cultural Significance:

• Embers (Glut) often symbolize residual energy, hidden power, or suppressed emotions that could flare up again at any moment.
• In many cultures, the embers of the domestic hearth also stand for security, warmth, and the center of family life.