01
die Naht
seam
The line where two pieces of fabric, leather, or similar material are joined together by sewing.
example
Die Naht an meiner Jacke ist aufgegangen.
The seam on my jacket has come undone.
die Naht
seam
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Naht' (the seam) is closely related to the verb 'nähen' (to sew). A seam is the result of sewing.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir helfen, diese Naht zu nähen?
Can you help me sew this seam?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'aus allen Nähten platzen' (to be bursting at the seams) is fixed and used figuratively. It describes that a place, a piece of clothing, or even a schedule is overfilled.
EXAMPLE
Der Bus war so voll, er platzte aus allen Nähten.
The bus was so full it was bursting at the seams.
Typical verbs
Common verbs connected with a fabric seam are 'aufgehen' (to come undone), 'reißen' (to tear), or 'platzen' (to burst) when it breaks. A new seam is 'gemacht' (made) or 'gesetzt' (placed/put in).
EXAMPLE
Die Naht am Ärmel ist leider gerissen.
The seam on the sleeve has unfortunately torn.
Context clue: medicine
You can recognize the medical meaning from words such as 'Arzt' (doctor), 'Operation' (operation/surgery), 'Wunde' (wound), or 'Fäden ziehen' (to remove stitches). Here 'Naht' (suture) is often used as a synonym for the stitched wound.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Operation hatte ich eine lange Naht am Knie.
After the operation, I had a long suture on my knee.
Compare with
Naht vs Stich
sting / stitch
'der Stich' and 'die Naht' both belong to sewing. A stitch is a single movement or way of sewing with a needle and thread. A seam is the line created by many stitches, joining two pieces of fabric. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in sewing. In practical terms, you can say: many stitches form a seam.
Naht
Die Naht an meiner Jacke ist aufgegangen, deshalb bringe ich sie zur Änderungsschneiderei.
The seam on my jacket has come undone, so I’m taking it to the alterations tailor.
Stich
Bei diesem Muster muss jeder Stich sehr gleichmäßig sein.
With this pattern, every stitch has to be very even.
In real life
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