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.
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The meaning 'zögern' (to hesitate) is outdated and belongs to an elevated style.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 limit / border
'begrenzen' and 'säumen' can both describe that something else is at the edge of something. 'begrenzen' means that something forms a boundary or encloses a space. 'säumen' means that things stand or run along an edge, for example trees along a road. The words can be confused because both have to do with edges or borders. The difference is: 'begrenzen' emphasizes the boundary itself, while 'säumen' emphasizes a row of things along the edge.
Alte Bäume säumen den Weg zum Bahnhof.
Old trees line the path to the train station.
Hohe Hecken begrenzen den kleinen Park auf drei Seiten.
Tall hedges border the small park on three sides.