der Saphir
sapphire
A very hard, usually blue gemstone that is used as a jewel.
EXAMPLE
Ihr Verlobungsring war mit einem großen, tiefblauen Saphir besetzt.
Her engagement ring was set with a large, deep-blue sapphire.
der Saphir
sapphire
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Meanings
der Saphir
sapphire
The bright blue color typical of the gemstone of the same name.
EXAMPLE
Das Abendkleid hatte die Farbe eines Saphirs.
The evening dress was the color of a sapphire.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily distinguish the meanings: the gemstone is a countable object that one can own. The color is an uncountable quality that describes something.
EXAMPLE
Sie bekam eine Kette mit drei kleinen Saphiren.
She received a necklace with three small sapphires.
Word formation: saphirblau
To describe the color, the compound adjective 'saphirblau' (sapphire blue) is used very often. This type of word formation is very common with colors derived from objects.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein saphirblaues Abendkleid.
She wore a sapphire-blue evening dress.
Typical collocations
When referring to the gemstone, you often find the word in connection with jewelry. Typical formulations are 'mit einem Saphir besetzt' (set with a sapphire), 'ein Ring aus Saphir' (a ring made of sapphire), or 'ein geschliffener Saphir' (a cut sapphire).
EXAMPLE
Die Krone war reich mit Diamanten und Saphiren besetzt.
The crown was richly set with diamonds and sapphires.
In real life
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