der Diamant
diamond
A very hard, transparent, and valuable gemstone that consists of pure carbon and is often made into jewelry.
EXAMPLE
Ihr Verlobungsring hat einen kleinen Diamanten.
Her engagement ring has a small diamond.
der Diamant
diamond
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Meanings
der Diamant
diamond
The material itself, which is considered the hardest known natural mineral and is used in industry for cutting or grinding.
EXAMPLE
Für den Bohrkopf wird industrieller Diamant verwendet, um durch Gestein zu bohren.
Industrial diamond is used for the drill bit to drill through rock.
der Diamant
diamond
In a figurative sense, a person or thing of outstanding quality, purity, or special value, often still undiscovered or undeveloped.
EXAMPLE
Dieses junge Fußballtalent ist ein ungeschliffener Diamant.
This young football talent is an uncut diamond.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The name 'Diamant' (diamond) is derived from the Greek word 'adámas', meaning 'unconquerable'. This refers to the extreme hardness of the material, its best-known property.
EXAMPLE
Die Härte des Diamanten ist sprichwörtlich.
The hardness of diamond is proverbial.
Typical adjectives
As a gemstone, 'Diamant' (diamond) is often combined with adjectives that describe its quality and appearance. Common combinations are 'ein reiner Diamant' (a pure diamond), 'ein funkelnder Diamant' (a sparkling diamond), or 'ein geschliffener Diamant' (a cut diamond).
EXAMPLE
Sie trug eine Kette mit einem wunderschön funkelnden Diamanten.
She wore a necklace with a beautifully sparkling diamond.
Context clue: industry
When 'Diamant' (diamond) is used in a technical or industrial context, it almost always refers to the material. Signal words for this are 'industriell' (industrial), 'synthetisch' (synthetic), 'schneiden' (to cut), or 'bohren' (to drill).
EXAMPLE
Die Sägeblätter sind mit synthetischen Diamanten beschichtet.
The saw blades are coated with synthetic diamonds.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein ungeschliffener Diamant' (an uncut diamond) is a very common metaphor. It describes a person or thing with great potential that has not yet been developed.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Sportler gilt als ungeschliffener Diamant seines Vereins.
The young athlete is considered the uncut diamond of his club.
Compare with
Diamant vs brillant
brilliant
When talking about jewelry, „Diamant“ can refer to the valuable gemstone itself, while „brillant“ describes its strong reflection of light and sparkle. „Diamant“ is appropriate when the stone itself is meant; „brillant“ is appropriate when its shiny appearance is being emphasized.
Diamant
Der Juwelier setzte einen kleinen Diamanten in den Ring ein.
The jeweler set a small diamond into the ring.
brillant
Der Diamant funkelte im Licht und wirkte besonders brillant.
The diamond sparkled in the light and looked especially brilliant.
In real life
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