das Sandkorn
grain of sand
A single, very small grain of sand.
EXAMPLE
Ein Sandkorn ist mir ins Auge geraten.
A grain of sand got into my eye.
das Sandkorn
grain of sand
das Sandkorn, die Sandkörner
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Sandkorn, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sandkörner |
| genitive | des Sandkornes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Sandkorn | die Sandkörner |
| accusative | das Sandkorn | die Sandkörner |
| dative | dem Sandkorn | den Sandkörnern |
| genitive | des Sandkornes des Sandkorns | der Sandkörner |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
“Sandkorn” is made up of “Sand” (sand) and “Korn” (grain). So it refers to one small grain of sand.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Tisch lag nur ein Sandkorn.
There was only a single grain of sand on the table.
Typical collocations
“Sandkorn” (grain of sand) often appears with words such as “einzeln” (single), “klein” (small), or “fein” (fine). The phrase “zwischen den Sandkörnern” (between the grains of sand) is also typical when referring to many individual grains.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den Sandkörnern entdeckte das Kind eine kleine Muschel.
The child discovered a small seashell between the grains of sand.
Body parts and grains of sand
In everyday life, “Sandkorn” (grain of sand) is often used in connection with parts of the body because individual grains can easily get into your eye or shoe.
EXAMPLE
Ein Sandkorn in meinem Schuh störte mich den ganzen Nachmittag.
A grain of sand in my shoe bothered me all afternoon.
In real life
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