01
die Saat
seed
The totality of seeds from cultivated plants intended for sowing in fields or gardens.
example
Im Frühling bringt der Bauer die Saat auf den Feldern aus.
In spring, the farmer sows the seed in the fields.
die Saat
seed
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Saat' (seed) is the noun related to the verb 'säen' (to sow). 'Die Saat' is what you sow. This connection applies to both the literal and the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer sät im Frühjahr die Saat für den Sommerweizen.
The farmer sows the seed for the summer wheat in spring.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that 'Saat' (seed) is combined with an abstract noun in the genitive, e.g. 'die Saat des Zweifels' (the seed of doubt). The literal meaning appears in the context of agriculture and gardening.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen ging die Saat schnell auf.
After the rain, the seed sprouted quickly.
Fixed expressions
In agriculture, there are fixed expressions with 'Saat' (seed). 'Die Saat ausbringen' means to sow seed. 'Die Saat geht auf' means that the young plants are growing out of the ground.
EXAMPLE
Die Bauern hoffen auf Regen, damit die Saat aufgeht.
The farmers are hoping for rain so that the seed will sprout.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Saat' (seed) is often connected with the verb 'säen' (to sow) and a negative concept. Typical collocations are 'die Saat des Hasses säen' (to sow the seed of hatred), 'die Saat der Gewalt säen' (to sow the seed of violence), or 'die Saat des Misstrauens säen' (to sow the seed of mistrust).
EXAMPLE
Durch die ständigen Lügen wurde die Saat des Misstrauens gesät.
The constant lies sowed the seed of mistrust.
Compare with
Saat vs Anfang
beginning
'der Anfang' and 'die Saat' can both point to the beginning of something. 'der Anfang' is the normal, direct word for the first part or beginning. 'die Saat' is used figuratively in this relation: something is laid down or starts small and later develops further. This often sounds stronger and a bit more vivid than 'Anfang'. 'Anfang' fits in almost all everyday situations. 'Saat' is more suitable when you want to emphasize that an action will have consequences later, whether good or bad.
Saat
Mit seinem unfairen Verhalten legte er die Saat für den späteren Streit.
With his unfair behavior, he sowed the seeds of the later argument.
Anfang
Der Anfang des Films war ruhig, aber danach wurde die Geschichte spannend.
The beginning of the film was calm, but after that the story became exciting.
In real life
Loading video examples...