diamond / check
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diamond / check
A geometric figure with four sides of equal length in the shape of a square set on its point; a rhombus. Also the corresponding pattern.
Das Muster des Pullovers besteht aus blauen und weißen Karos.
The pattern of the sweater consists of blue and white checks.
The noun 'das Karo' (diamond/check) is the basis for the adjective 'kariert' (checked). A fabric with a pattern of 'Karos' (checks) is described as 'kariert' (checked).
Er trägt am liebsten karierte Hemden.
He prefers wearing checked shirts.
When referring to the pattern, 'Karo' (check) is often connected with textiles. Typical examples are a shirt with checks, a blanket with a check pattern, or a checked tablecloth.
Für das Picknick haben wir eine Decke mit rot-weißen Karos mitgebracht.
For the picnic, we brought a blanket with red and white checks.
You can immediately recognize the meaning 'card suit' when 'Karo' (diamonds) is used together with playing-card names such as 'König' (king), 'Dame' (queen), 'Bube' (jack), or 'Ass' (ace).
Mir fehlt nur noch das Karo-Ass, dann habe ich gewonnen.
I'm only missing the ace of diamonds; then I've won.
When naming a playing card, 'Karo' (diamonds) is often treated like a name and not declined. It then stands directly before or after the card's value.
Er spielte den Karo-Buben aus.
He played the jack of diamonds.
square
'Quadrat' and 'Karo' can both describe a four-sided shape or a pattern. A 'Quadrat' stands straight and has four sides of equal length and four right angles. A 'Karo' is usually like a square set on its point, so more like a diamond or rhombus. In addition, 'Karo' is often used for patterns on clothing or paper. The words can be confused because a 'Karo' can look like a rotated square. When the exact geometric shape is important, you say 'Quadrat'. For a pattern with diamond-shaped fields, 'Karo' sounds more natural.
Auf ihrem Schal sieht man ein rotes Karo neben vielen blauen Karos.
On her scarf, you can see a red diamond next to many blue diamonds.
Die Figur ist ein Quadrat, weil alle Seiten gleich lang sind und die Ecken rechtwinklig sind.
The shape is a square because all the sides are the same length and the corners are right angles.