01
der Baum
tree
A large perennial plant with a woody trunk that divides into branches and twigs and bears leaves or needles.
example
Im Herbst verlieren die meisten Bäume ihre Blätter.
In autumn, most trees lose their leaves.
der Baum
tree
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Place and direction
With location expressions involving 'Baum' (tree), the distinction between dative and accusative is important. Movement toward a place requires the accusative, while being positioned at a place requires the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze klettert auf den Baum.
The cat climbs up the tree.
Word component
The word 'Baum' (tree) is a very productive component of many compound nouns. If you see '-baum' at the end of a word, it is often a specific type of tree or something shaped like a tree.
EXAMPLE
Zu Weihnachten schmücken wir den Tannenbaum.
At Christmas, we decorate the fir tree.
Typical verbs
In connection with the plant, 'Baum' (tree) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical actions are 'einen Baum pflanzen' (to plant a tree), 'einen Baum fällen' (to cut down a tree), or 'auf einen Baum klettern' (to climb a tree).
EXAMPLE
Die Stadtverwaltung will nächstes Jahr hundert neue Bäume pflanzen.
The city administration wants to plant one hundred new trees next year.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of a graphic structure from words from the fields of computer science, science, or genealogy. Typical clues are 'Struktur' (structure), 'Daten' (data), 'Hierarchie' (hierarchy), or 'Stammbaum' (family tree).
EXAMPLE
Der Stammbaum der Familie reicht bis ins 17. Jahrhundert zurück.
The family tree goes back to the 17th century.
Fixed expression
The colloquial expression for a tall, strong man follows a fixed pattern: 'ein Baum von einem Kerl' (a giant of a guy) or 'ein Baum von einem Mann' (a giant of a man). The word 'Kerl' (guy) is very common here.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Kollege ist ein Baum von einem Kerl und kann schwere Kisten allein tragen.
The new colleague is a giant of a guy and can carry heavy boxes by himself.
Compare with
Baum vs Holz
wood
'das Holz' and 'der Baum' are closely connected because wood comes from trees. The important difference is: 'der Baum' means the living plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves or needles. 'das Holz' means the material from the trunk or branches, for example for furniture, houses, or fire. Learners may confuse the words when talking about nature or materials. If the plant is still standing in the garden or forest, 'Baum' fits. If you are using the material, 'Holz' fits.
Baum
Vor unserem Haus steht ein alter Baum mit vielen Äpfeln.
In front of our house there is an old tree with lots of apples.
Holz
Der Tisch ist aus hellem Holz und passt gut in die Küche.
The table is made of light-colored wood and fits well in the kitchen.
In real life
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