der Schmelz
enamel
The hard, protective outer layer of the teeth; tooth enamel.
EXAMPLE
Säurehaltige Getränke können den Zahnschmelz angreifen.
Acidic drinks can attack tooth enamel.
der Schmelz
enamel / warmth
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Schmelz
warmth
A special, pleasant, and warm sound in a voice or in music.
EXAMPLE
Die Sängerin verzauberte das Publikum mit dem Schmelz in ihrer Stimme.
The singer enchanted the audience with the warmth in her voice.
der Schmelz
enamel
A glass-like, often colored substance used to coat metal, ceramics, or glass; enamel.
EXAMPLE
Die Brosche war mit einem feinen blauen Schmelz verziert.
The brooch was decorated with a fine blue enamel.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Schmelz' (enamel/warmth) is the noun related to the verb 'schmelzen' (to melt). The basic meaning refers to a substance applied by melting (enamel). The other meanings derive from this: the hard protective layer on the teeth and the “melting” quality of a voice.
EXAMPLE
Die Schokolade schmilzt langsam im Topf.
The chocolate is slowly melting in the pot.
Context: medicine
In a medical or dental context, 'Schmelz' (enamel) always means tooth enamel. Watch for words like 'Zahn' (tooth), 'Karies' (cavities/tooth decay), 'Säure' (acid), or 'Zahnpasta' (toothpaste). The word 'Zahnschmelz' (tooth enamel) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Diese spezielle Zahnpasta soll den Zahnschmelz schützen.
This special toothpaste is supposed to protect tooth enamel.
Context: music & voice
The meaning 'warmer Klang' (warm sound) is found only in connection with music or voices. Typical signal words are 'Stimme' (voice), 'Gesang' (singing), 'singen' (to sing), or the names of musical instruments.
EXAMPLE
Der Sänger ist berühmt für den besonderen Schmelz in seiner Stimme.
The singer is famous for the special warmth in his voice.
Context: arts and crafts
When 'Schmelz' refers to the glass-like substance enamel, the context is usually art, jewelry, or crafts. You will then find the word together with terms like 'Brosche' (brooch), 'Vase' (vase), 'Keramik' (ceramics), or 'verziert' (decorated).
EXAMPLE
Die alte Brosche war mit einem feinen blauen Schmelz verziert.
The old brooch was decorated with a fine blue enamel.
Compare with
Schmelz vs Klang
sound
Klang generally refers to the audible quality of a voice or music. Schmelz refers more specifically to an especially pleasant, warm, and mellifluous sound. Klang is suitable for a neutral description; when this particular soft warmth is meant to be emphasized, Schmelz is suitable.
Schmelz
Die Sängerin verleiht der ruhigen Melodie mit ihrer warmen Stimme viel Schmelz.
With her warm voice, the singer gives the quiet melody a great deal of warmth.
Klang
Die Sängerin hat einen klaren und kräftigen Klang in der Stimme.
The singer has a clear and powerful sound in her voice.
In real life
Loading video examples...