A proper name for a river in the Swiss canton of Valais, which flows through the Mattertal valley and empties into the Rhône at Visp. The word is not used as a general noun.
example
Die Matter ist bekannt für ihr milchiges Wasser, das von den Gletschern stammt.
The Matter River is known for its milky water, which comes from the glaciers.
Usage tips
Proper name
'Die Matter' is not a general noun, but a proper name for a specific river in Switzerland. You cannot use it for other things.
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderung führt entlang der Matter.
The hike leads along the Matter River.
Regional usage
This name is used specifically for the river in the Mattertal valley in the Swiss canton of Valais. Outside this geographical context, the word is unknown.
EXAMPLE
Das Dorf Zermatt liegt im Tal der Matter.
The village of Zermatt lies in the valley of the Matter River.
Use as a river name
As with other rivers, 'Matter' is used with typical prepositions and verbs that describe location or movement, e.g. 'an der Matter' (on/by the Matter River) or 'in die Matter münden' (to flow into the Matter River).