noble / fine
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fine / high-quality
Of especially high quality, valuable, or finely crafted. Often refers to materials, foods, or products.
Zum Jubiläum gab es einen edlen Tropfen aus dem Weinkeller.
For the anniversary, there was a fine bottle from the wine cellar.
noble
Having a high moral attitude or a generous, decent character.
Es war eine edle Geste, dem Obdachlosen anonym Geld zu spenden.
It was a noble gesture to anonymously donate money to the homeless man.
noble
Of aristocratic origin or belonging to a noble family.
Der Held der Geschichte stammte aus einem edlen Geschlecht.
The hero of the story came from a noble family.
noble
(Chemistry) Chemically very unreactive and resistant to corrosion or oxidation, such as gold, platinum, or certain gases.
Gold ist ein edles Metall, weshalb es für Schmuck so beliebt ist.
Gold is a noble metal, which is why it is so popular for jewelry.
The word 'edel' (noble/fine) is closely connected with 'der Adel' (the nobility, aristocratic families). This historical connection to the upper class explains why 'edel' today also means 'high-quality', 'valuable', or 'morally exemplary'.
Früher durften nur Mitglieder des Adels bestimmte Kleidung tragen.
In the past, only members of the nobility were allowed to wear certain clothing.
The noun that 'edel' (noble/fine) describes reveals the meaning. 'Edle Materialien' (fine materials) or 'edler Wein' (fine wine) (m01) refer to quality. 'Edle Geste' (noble gesture) or 'edle Tat' (noble deed) (m02) refer to character. 'Edle Metalle' (noble metals) or 'Edelgase' (noble gases) (m04) are technical terms from chemistry.
Das Restaurant ist bekannt für seine edlen Speisen.
The restaurant is known for its fine dishes.
In the meaning of 'high-quality', 'edel' (fine/high-quality) is often used for luxury goods and delicacies. Typical combinations are 'edle Stoffe' (fine fabrics), 'edles Holz' (fine wood), 'edler Schmuck' (fine jewelry), and 'ein edler Tropfen' (a fine bottle/drop, for wine or spirits).
Für den Anzug wurde ein sehr edler Stoff verwendet.
A very fine fabric was used for the suit.
In chemistry, 'edel' (noble) forms fixed terms. 'Edelmetalle' (noble metals) are metals such as gold and platinum that are chemically very stable. 'Edelgase' (noble gases) are a group of elements that hardly react with other substances.
Gold ist ein Edelmetall und rostet nicht.
Gold is a noble metal and does not rust.
high-quality
Both words praise the quality of a product. Hochwertig mainly points out that something is well made, durable, or valuable; edel additionally emphasizes a refined, precious, or luxurious impression. Use hochwertig as a general judgment of quality and edel when something has a special elegance.
Die edle Uhr aus Gold wirkt bei dem Abendessen besonders elegant.
The elegant gold watch looks especially refined at dinner.
Die hochwertige Uhr ist robust verarbeitet und begleitet ihn viele Jahre.
The high-quality watch is sturdily made and will serve him for many years.
