01
das Muster
pattern
A repeating arrangement of lines, shapes, or colors on a surface, for example on fabric, paper, or tiles.
example
Das Hemd hat ein kariertes Muster.
The shirt has a checked pattern.
das Muster
pattern / sample
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Muster' from the context. If it is about clothing or design, it means a repeated form. In a business context, it is a sample. If people are talking about behavior, it is a role model.
EXAMPLE
Das Kleid hat ein schönes Blumenmuster.
The dress has a beautiful floral pattern.
Use as a role model
When 'Muster' describes an ideal example, it is often used in the fixed phrase 'ein Muster an' or 'ein Muster von' followed by a noun in the dative or genitive. This emphasizes an outstanding quality.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Schüler ist ein Muster an Fleiß und Disziplin.
This student is a model of diligence and discipline.
Typical adjectives
When it is about a design, 'Muster' is very often combined with adjectives that describe appearance. Typical examples are 'geblümt' (floral), 'gestreift' (striped), 'gepunktet' (polka-dotted), or 'geometrisch' (geometric).
EXAMPLE
Ich suche einen Vorhang mit einem dezenten, geometrischen Muster.
I'm looking for a curtain with a subtle geometric pattern.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Probe' (sample), 'Muster' is often used with verbs from the business world. Common combinations are 'ein Muster anfordern' (to request a sample), 'ein Muster schicken' (to send a sample), or 'ein kostenloses Muster erhalten' (to receive a free sample).
EXAMPLE
Viele Firmen schicken auf Anfrage kostenlose Muster ihrer Produkte.
Many companies send free samples of their products upon request.
Compare with
Muster vs Beispiel
example
'das Beispiel' and 'das Muster' can both show how something should be or how something works. 'das Beispiel' is often used to explain a statement or show a behavior. 'das Muster' is more like a template or model that you use to make something. It can also be an ideal example of a quality or behavior. The words can be confused because both provide guidance. As a simple guide: an example explains something; a pattern or template often helps you make something in the same or a similar way.
Muster
Für den Brief benutzt Maria ein Muster aus dem Internet.
Maria uses a template from the internet for the letter.
Beispiel
Omar zeigt zu Hause ein Beispiel, damit seine Familie die Aufgabe versteht.
At home, Omar shows an example so that his family understands the task.
In real life
Loading video examples...