die Musterung
patterning
The repeating design, ornament, or pattern on a surface, for example on fabric, wallpaper, or an animal's skin.
EXAMPLE
Das Hemd hat eine dezente karierte Musterung.
The shirt has a subtle checkered patterning.
die Musterung
patterning / medical examination
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Meanings
die Musterung
military medical examination
The medical and psychological examination to determine fitness for military service.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde bei der Musterung für wehrdienstuntauglich erklärt.
At the military medical examination, he was declared unfit for military service.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Musterung' (patterning / medical examination) is derived from 'das Muster' (the pattern / sample). A 'Muster' can be a design (meaning 1) or a test specimen (a 'sample' human is examined, meaning 2).
EXAMPLE
Das Muster des Teppichs passt gut zur Musterung der Vorhänge.
The pattern of the carpet goes well with the patterning of the curtains.
Context clue
The two meanings are very different. If it is about fabric, design, animals, or surfaces, it refers to the pattern. If it is about the military, compulsory service, or doctors, it refers to the fitness examination.
EXAMPLE
Die Schlange hatte eine auffällige, zickzackförmige Musterung.
The snake had a striking zigzag patterning.
Typical collocations
For the design meaning, adjectives that describe the pattern are often used, e.g. 'eine feine Musterung' (a fine patterning), 'eine geometrische Musterung' (a geometric patterning), or 'eine natürliche Musterung' (a natural patterning).
EXAMPLE
Der Schmetterling hat eine wunderschöne Musterung auf den Flügeln.
The butterfly has beautiful patterning on its wings.
Typical collocations
In a military context, you go 'zur Musterung' (to the medical examination) or are 'zur Musterung einberufen' (called up for the medical examination). The result is that you are classified as 'tauglich' (fit) or 'untauglich' (unfit).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Männer fürchteten sich früher vor der Musterung.
In the past, many young men were afraid of the military medical examination.
Compare with
Musterung vs Untersuchung
investigation / examination
Untersuchung and Musterung can both refer to a medical examination of a person. In the context of determining fitness for military service, Musterung is the established, more specific term, while Untersuchung remains general. Use Untersuchung for a routine medical examination and Musterung for this special examination of fitness for service.
Musterung
Bei der Musterung wurde geprüft, ob er für den Militärdienst geeignet ist.
During the military medical examination, they checked whether he was fit for military service.
Untersuchung
Die ärztliche Untersuchung beim Hausarzt ergab keinen Grund zur Sorge.
The medical examination at the family doctor’s office revealed no cause for concern.
In real life
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