01
der Same
seed
The part of a plant from which a new plant can grow; a seed grain.
example
Im Frühling wird der Same für das neue Gemüse in die Erde gebracht.
In spring, the seed for the new vegetables is put into the soil.
der Same
seed / semen
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Context clue
The three meanings are very different and become clear through context. Pay attention to words like 'pflanzen' (to plant) or 'säen' (to sow) for plants, 'biologisch' (biological) or 'Befruchtung' (fertilization) for reproductive cells, and abstract nouns like 'Zweifel' (doubt) or 'Gewalt' (violence) for origin.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Same muss in feuchte Erde gelegt werden, um zu keimen.
This seed must be placed in moist soil in order to germinate.
Singular as collective
In the plant meaning, 'der Same' (the seed) can be used in the singular as a collective term for seed or seed stock, an uncountable quantity. The plural 'die Samen', on the other hand, refers to individual, countable seeds.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer sät den Samen im Frühling aus.
The farmer sows the seed in spring.
Typical verbs
In the botanical context, 'der Same' (the seed) is often combined with the verbs 'säen' (to sow), 'pflanzen' (to plant), 'keimen' (to germinate), or 'aufgehen' (to sprout).
EXAMPLE
Nach ein paar Tagen begann der Same zu keimen.
After a few days, the seed began to germinate.
Register note
The use of 'der Same' for the male reproductive cell is correct, but it is found mainly in biological, medical, or very formal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Qualität des Samens wurde im Labor untersucht.
The quality of the semen was examined in the laboratory.
Metaphorical meaning
This meaning is a metaphor based on the image of a plant seed. Just as a large plant grows from a small grain, a major development can arise from a small cause.
EXAMPLE
Die Idee war nur ein kleiner Same, aber daraus wuchs ein großes Projekt.
The idea was only a small seed, but a large project grew from it.
Typical collocations
In the metaphorical meaning, 'Same' (seed) is often combined with a genitive that describes the type of development: 'der Same des Zweifels' (the seed of doubt), 'der Same der Gewalt' (the seed of violence), or 'der Same der Hoffnung' (the seed of hope).
EXAMPLE
Seine Worte legten den Samen des Misstrauens zwischen die Freunde.
His words planted the seed of mistrust between the friends.
Compare with
Same vs Anfang
beginning
'der Anfang' and 'der Same' can both have to do with the beginning of something. 'der Anfang' directly names the first part or the start. In a figurative sense, 'der Same' more often means the small cause from which something larger later develops, for example an idea, a feeling, or a conflict. 'Anfang' is neutral and general. 'Same' sounds more figurative and emphasizes that something is small at first and then develops. In everyday language, people usually say 'Anfang'; 'Same' fits when you especially want to show this development.
Same
Ein kleiner Streit legte den Samen für einen langen Konflikt im Team.
A small argument planted the seed for a long conflict within the team.
Anfang
Der Anfang des Projekts war schwierig, weil noch viele Informationen fehlten.
The beginning of the project was difficult because a lot of information was still missing.
In real life
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