filigran
intricate
Very fine, delicate, and skillfully crafted; consisting of many small, precisely executed parts.
EXAMPLE
Die filigrane Goldkette ist mit winzigen Blumen verziert.
The intricate gold necklace is decorated with tiny flowers.
filigran
delicate / intricate
filigran – filigraner – am filigransten
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Meanings
filigran
delicate
Having a delicate and slender appearance, especially when referring to the build of a person or animal.
EXAMPLE
Die filigrane Tänzerin bewegte sich leicht über die Bühne.
The delicate dancer moved lightly across the stage.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry filigran, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | filigran |
|---|---|
| comparative | filigraner |
| superlative | am filigransten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to filigran.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to filigran.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to filigran.
Usage tips
Context clue
For objects and handicrafts, “filigran” (intricate) usually describes precise, artistic craftsmanship with small details. When referring to people or animals, it describes a delicate, slender build.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Flohmarkt fand sie einen filigranen Bilderrahmen aus Silber.
She found an intricate silver picture frame at the flea market.
Die filigrane Artistin balancierte sicher auf dem Seil.
The delicate acrobat balanced safely on the rope.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of artistically crafted objects, “filigran” (intricate) is often used with “Schmuck” (jewelry), “Muster” (patterns), “Verzierungen” (decorations), and “Arbeit” (craftsmanship).
EXAMPLE
Der Goldschmied präsentierte eine filigrane Arbeit aus Silber.
The goldsmith presented an intricate piece of silverwork.
Describing appearance
When describing people or animals, “filigran” (delicate) is often used with words such as “Gestalt” (figure), “Körperbau” (build), or “Hände” (hands).
EXAMPLE
Trotz ihres filigranen Körperbaus war die Bergsteigerin erstaunlich kräftig.
Despite her delicate build, the mountaineer was surprisingly strong.
In real life
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