grain
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grain
The characteristic, often irregular lines or pattern in wood that result from the growth of the tree. The term is also used for similar patterns in stone or other materials.
Der Tisch aus Nussbaumholz hat eine wunderschöne Maser.
The walnut table has a beautiful grain.
The plural form 'die Masern' is identical to the word for the disease measles. For this reason, 'Maser' (grain) is used almost exclusively in the singular when referring to the pattern in wood, in order to avoid confusion.
Jedes Stück Holz hat eine einzigartige Maser.
Every piece of wood has a unique grain.
'Maser' (grain) is often combined with adjectives that describe the appearance of the pattern. Common combinations are 'eine feine Maser' (a fine grain), 'eine lebhafte Maser' (a lively grain), or 'eine gleichmäßige Maser' (an even grain).
Das Eichenholz hat eine besonders lebhafte Maser.
The oak wood has a particularly lively grain.
The term 'Maser' (grain) is frequently used in specialist contexts such as carpentry, furniture making, or woodworking. There it precisely describes the specific appearance of the wood.
Der Tischler achtete genau auf den Verlauf der Maser.
The carpenter paid close attention to the direction of the grain.
structure
'die Struktur' and 'die Maser' can both play a role when talking about materials. 'Struktur' means, in general, how a material is built or how its parts are arranged. 'Maser' is much more specific: it means the visible lines and patterns in wood, sometimes also in stone or similar materials. The words can be confused when talking about wood. If you mean the surface and its natural pattern, 'Maser' is more precise. If you mean the overall build or nature of the material, 'Struktur' fits better.
Am Wochenende zeigt der Mitarbeiter die schöne Maser des alten Holztisches.
At the weekend, the employee shows the beautiful grain of the old wooden table.
Welche Struktur hat dieses Holz nach dem Schleifen?
What structure does this wood have after sanding?