01
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
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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
'müde' and 'matt' can both describe someone having little energy. 'müde' is used especially when you want to sleep or rest. 'matt' emphasizes physical weakness and lack of strength, often after illness, heat, or great exertion. So you can be 'müde' because it is late. You are more likely to be 'matt' when your body feels weak.
matt
Nach dem Fieber ist Sofia noch matt und bleibt lieber im Bett.
After the fever, Sofia is still weak and prefers to stay in bed.
müde
Nach der Prüfung war der Lehrer müde und wollte früh nach Hause.
After the exam, the teacher was tired and wanted to go home early.
In real life
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