matt
weak
To feel physically weak, powerless, and without energy, often as a result of illness or exertion.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Grippe fühlte sie sich noch tagelang matt und müde.
After the flu, she still felt weak and tired for days.
matt
weak / matte
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Meanings
matt
matte
Describes a surface that does not shine or reflect, but instead has a dull, non-glossy appearance.
EXAMPLE
Die Wände sind in einem matten Weiß gestrichen, um Reflexionen zu vermeiden.
The walls are painted in a matte white to avoid reflections.
matt
checkmate
Refers in chess to the situation in which the king is directly attacked and cannot escape the attack, which means the end of the game.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Zug der Dame auf H7 ist der gegnerische König matt.
With the queen's move to H7, the opposing king is in checkmate.
matt
muted
Describes a color that is not bright or intense, but rather pale, subdued, or dull-looking.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein elegantes Kleid in einem matten Grün.
She wore an elegant dress in a muted green.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
To express physical weakness, 'matt' (weak) is often used in the combination 'sich matt fühlen' (to feel weak) or as part of 'matt und müde' (weak and tired). It describes a state of lacking energy.
EXAMPLE
Ich fühle mich heute irgendwie matt und antriebslos.
I feel somehow weak and listless today.
Context clue: surfaces
When 'matt' (matte) describes a surface, it is always about the absence of shine. Typical nouns in this context are 'Farbe' (paint), 'Lack' (varnish/lacquer), 'Papier' (paper), or 'Foto' (photo).
EXAMPLE
Für das Porträt hat der Fotograf mattes Papier verwendet.
The photographer used matte paper for the portrait.
Technical language: chess
The meaning 'Schachmatt' (checkmate) is reserved exclusively for the game of chess. You can recognize it immediately from the context with words like 'König' (king), 'Zug' (move), 'Partie' (game), or 'Schach' (chess).
EXAMPLE
Nach nur zwanzig Zügen war der Weltmeister matt.
After only twenty moves, the world champion was checkmated.
Sentence structure in chess
In a chess context, there are two typical constructions: You can say 'Der König ist matt' (The king is in checkmate) as a state, or use the verb 'jemanden matt setzen' (to checkmate someone) for an action.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihn mit einem überraschenden Zug matt gesetzt.
She checkmated him with a surprising move.
Context clue: colors
When 'matt' (muted) describes a color, it stands directly before the color name. It then means 'not bright' or 'subdued'. Examples are 'ein mattes Grün' (a muted green) or 'ein mattes Blau' (a muted blue).
EXAMPLE
Die Bluse hatte ein mattes Rosa, das sehr elegant wirkte.
The blouse had a muted pink that looked very elegant.
Compare with
matt vs müde
tired
When referring to the effects of illness or exertion, both “müde” and “matt” can fit. “Müde” mainly emphasizes the need for sleep or rest, while “matt” emphasizes physical weakness and a lack of strength. Someone who wants to sleep is more likely to be müde; someone who can barely move with any strength is more likely to be matt.
matt
Nach dem Fieber bin ich matt und kann kaum aufstehen.
After the fever, I’m weak and can barely get up.
müde
Nach dem Fieber bin ich müde und möchte lange schlafen.
After the fever, I’m tired and want to sleep for a long time.
In real life
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