to hem / line
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to hem
To fold over and sew down the edge of a piece of fabric, for example a dress or curtain, in order to prevent fraying.
Die Schneiderin muss meine neue Hose noch säumen, sie ist zu lang.
The tailor still has to hem my new trousers; they are too long.
to line
To run or stand along the edge of something. This meaning is mostly used in the passive or with reference to objects such as trees or houses.
Alte Lindenbäume säumen die Allee, die zum Schloss führt.
Old linden trees line the avenue that leads to the castle.
to delay
(elevated, becoming dated) To hesitate or put something off; to not carry out an action immediately.
Er säumte lange, bevor er eine Entscheidung traf.
He delayed for a long time before making a decision.
The verb 'säumen' (to hem / to line) is closely related to the noun 'der Saum' (hem). A 'Saum' is the sewn edge of a fabric, or also an edge or border in general. This connection helps you understand both main meanings: sewing a hem and forming a border.
Der Saum an meinem Rock hat sich gelöst.
The hem on my skirt has come undone.
In the meaning 'entlang eines Randes verlaufen' (to run along an edge), 'säumen' (to line) is often used in the passive or with inanimate subjects such as trees or houses. The person or place that is lined is then the subject or the object of the sentence.
Der Weg zum Strand ist von Palmen gesäumt.
The path to the beach is lined with palm trees.
The meaning 'zögern' (to hesitate) is outdated and belongs to an elevated style. You now find it almost only in historical literature or in very formal written language. It is not used in everyday speech.
Der König säumte, dem Bittsteller eine Antwort zu geben.
The king delayed in giving the petitioner an answer.
In a craft or sewing context, 'säumen' (to hem) is typically used with items of clothing or home textiles. Common combinations are: 'eine Hose säumen' (to hem trousers), 'ein Kleid säumen' (to hem a dress), 'einen Rock säumen' (to hem a skirt), or 'einen Vorhang säumen' (to hem a curtain).
Kannst du bitte diesen Vorhang für mich säumen? Er ist zu lang für das Fenster.
Can you please hem this curtain for me? It is too long for the window.
to frame / set
Einfassen and säumen can both describe what happens along the edge of an area or a path. Einfassen emphasizes a border or surrounding edge, while säumen mainly describes things standing or extending along the edge. Einfassen is suitable for an enclosed boundary, while säumen is used for elements along the edge.
Hohe Bäume säumen den Weg zum See.
Tall trees line the path to the lake.
Eine niedrige Hecke fasst das Blumenbeet am Rand ein.
A low hedge borders the flower bed.
