gedämpft
muffled
Softened so that a sound or noise is less loud, clear, or bright.
EXAMPLE
Durch die dicken Vorhänge drang nur ein gedämpftes Stimmengewirr ins Zimmer.
Only a muffled babble of voices reached the room through the thick curtains.
gedämpft
muffled / muted / steamed
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Meanings
gedämpft
muted
Not very bright or vivid; reduced in intensity. This can refer especially to light, colors, or shine.
EXAMPLE
Das gedämpfte Licht im Restaurant schuf eine ruhige Atmosphäre.
The muted lighting in the restaurant created a calm atmosphere.
gedämpft
subdued
Quiet, restrained, or lacking liveliness in feelings and behavior.
EXAMPLE
Nach der schlechten Nachricht war die Stimmung im Büro gedämpft.
After the bad news, the mood in the office was subdued.
gedämpft
steamed
Cooked by steaming, meaning prepared using hot water vapor.
EXAMPLE
Als Beilage gab es gedämpften Reis und Gemüse.
Steamed rice and vegetables were served as a side dish.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry gedämpft, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | gedämpft |
|---|
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 gedämpft.
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 gedämpft.
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 gedämpft.
Usage tips
Word family
'Gedämpft' (muffled / muted / steamed) is the past participle of 'dämpfen' (to dampen / to steam) and is used here as an adjective. The basic idea of reducing intensity explains its use with sounds, light, and feelings; in cooking, the word refers to a specific preparation method.
EXAMPLE
Die gedämpfte Musik passte gut zu dem ruhigen Abend.
The muffled music suited the quiet evening well.
Typical collocations
When referring to sounds, 'gedämpft' (muffled) often occurs with 'Stimme' (voice), 'Geräusch' (noise), 'Lachen' (laughter), or 'Stimmen' (voices). It often describes something that can only be heard from a distance or through a barrier.
EXAMPLE
Hinter der geschlossenen Tür hörte man gedämpfte Stimmen.
Muffled voices could be heard behind the closed door.
Light and colors
When referring to light and colors, 'gedämpft' (muted) is often combined with words such as 'Licht' (light), 'Farben' (colors), or 'Glanz' (shine). The combination describes an effect that is not very harsh or conspicuous.
EXAMPLE
Die gedämpften Farben an den Wänden machten das Schlafzimmer gemütlich.
The muted colors on the walls made the bedroom cozy.
Expressing emotions
When referring to moods and reactions, 'gedämpft' (subdued) often indicates that a situation is weighing on people or reducing their joy. Typical collocations are 'gedämpfte Stimmung' (subdued mood), 'gedämpfte Freude' (subdued joy), and 'gedämpfte Reaktion' (subdued reaction).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Absage war die Freude über den Erfolg deutlich gedämpft.
After the rejection, their joy at the success was noticeably subdued.
Cooking context
In recipes and on menus, 'gedämpft' (steamed) refers to preparation using hot water vapor. The word often appears with rice, vegetables, fish, or dumplings.
EXAMPLE
Zum Mittagessen gab es gedämpften Fisch mit Kartoffeln.
For lunch, there was steamed fish with potatoes.
In real life
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