plaster / finery
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plaster
A layer of mortar, plaster, or a similar material that is applied to walls and ceilings in order to smooth, protect, or decorate them.
Nachdem die Wand getrocknet war, wurde der neue Putz aufgetragen und glattgestrichen.
After the wall had dried, the new plaster was applied and smoothed out.
to paint the town red
In a fixed expression: to celebrate exuberantly, spend a lot of money, or also to boast and exaggerate.
Nach der bestandenen Prüfung haben wir am Wochenende erstmal richtig auf den Putz gehauen.
After passing the exam, we really painted the town red that weekend.
finery
Striking, fine clothing or jewelry worn on special occasions. This meaning is rather outdated today.
Für die Oper warf sie sich in ihren besten Putz.
For the opera, she dressed up in her finest finery.
The noun 'der Putz' (plaster/finery) is related to the verb 'putzen' (to clean, polish). The plaster coating 'putzt' (cleans/polishes) the wall by making it look smooth and clean. However, not everyone is aware of this connection today.
Der Maler hat den alten Putz von der Wand geklopft.
The painter knocked the old plaster off the wall.
In the context of construction work, 'Putz' (plaster) is often used with the verbs 'auftragen' (to apply), 'ausbessern' (to repair/patch), or 'entfernen' (to remove). People also say that the plaster 'bröckelt' (is crumbling) or 'von der Decke fällt' (is falling from the ceiling).
Wir müssen den Putz an der Außenwand ausbessern, bevor wir streichen.
We need to repair the plaster on the exterior wall before we paint.
The idiom 'auf den Putz hauen' is a fixed unit. It means to celebrate exuberantly, spend a lot of money, or show off. The literal meaning 'to hit the plaster' does not help with understanding here.
Nachdem sie im Lotto gewonnen hatte, hat sie erstmal ordentlich auf den Putz gehauen.
After she won the lottery, she really painted the town red.
The meaning 'elegant clothing' is outdated today and is hardly used anymore. You mainly find it in older literature or when someone wants to strike an ironic, old-fashioned tone.
In dem alten Film warf sich die Diva für ihren Auftritt in ihren feinsten Putz.
In the old film, the diva dressed up in her finest finery for her performance.
jewelry / decoration
“Schmuck” is the usual collective term today for worn rings, necklaces, or similar decorative objects. “Putz” can refer to striking festive finery, including fine clothing and jewelry, but sounds outdated in this meaning.
Im alten Roman erscheint sie zur Hochzeit in ihrem schönsten Putz.
In the old novel, she appears at the wedding in her finest finery.
Zur Hochzeit trug sie ihren schönsten Schmuck.
She wore her finest jewelry to the wedding.
