kostbar
precious / valuable
Of high material value; expensive and valuable.
EXAMPLE
Die Königin trug ein kostbares Diadem aus Platin und Diamanten.
The queen wore a precious diadem made of platinum and diamonds.
kostbar
precious / valuable
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Meanings
kostbar
precious / valuable
Very valuable and cherished in an ideal or emotional sense. Often refers to non-material things such as time, memories, or relationships.
EXAMPLE
Zeit mit der Familie ist kostbar und durch nichts zu ersetzen.
Time with family is precious and cannot be replaced by anything.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'kostbar' is derived from the noun 'die Kosten' (costs). The ending '-bar' turns it into an adjective that describes something as having high costs, meaning that it is very valuable.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Ring ist ein kostbares Erbstück meiner Großmutter.
This ring is a precious heirloom from my grandmother.
Context clue
You can tell whether 'kostbar' is meant materially or ideally from the noun. If it refers to objects like jewelry or art, it is about monetary value. If it refers to abstract things like time or memories, it is about emotional value.
EXAMPLE
Er bewahrt die kostbaren Vasen in einer Vitrine auf.
He keeps the precious vases in a display case.
Typical collocations
In its material meaning, 'kostbar' is often connected with luxury goods. Typical combinations are 'kostbarer Schmuck' (precious jewelry), 'kostbare Edelsteine' (precious gemstones), or 'ein kostbares Gemälde' (a valuable painting).
EXAMPLE
Im Museum werden sehr kostbare Manuskripte aus dem Mittelalter ausgestellt.
Very valuable manuscripts from the Middle Ages are displayed in the museum.
Typical collocations
When it is about ideal value, 'kostbar' often describes intangible things. Common phrases are 'kostbare Zeit' (precious time), 'kostbare Erinnerungen' (precious memories), or 'ein kostbarer Augenblick' (a precious moment).
EXAMPLE
Danke für den Tipp, er war wirklich kostbar für mein Projekt.
Thanks for the tip; it was really valuable for my project.
Compare with
kostbar vs wertvoll
valuable
Both words express that something is highly important to someone and greatly valued. “Wertvoll” is more neutral and general, whereas “kostbar” sounds more personal, special, or emotional and is often more elevated in style. “Wertvoll” is more suitable for an objective assessment, while “kostbar” is more suitable for deep personal appreciation.
kostbar
Die gemeinsame Zeit mit meiner Großmutter ist für mich eine kostbare Erinnerung.
The time I spent with my grandmother is a precious memory to me.
wertvoll
Die gemeinsame Zeit mit meiner Großmutter war für meine Entwicklung sehr wertvoll.
The time I spent with my grandmother was very valuable to my development.
In real life
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