jewelry / decoration
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jewelry
Objects such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets that are worn on the body for adornment. This word is usually used in the singular as a collective term.
Sie hat zum Geburtstag wunderschönen Schmuck von ihrer Großmutter bekommen.
She got beautiful jewelry from her grandmother for her birthday.
The noun 'der Schmuck' (jewelry/decoration) belongs to the word family of the verb 'schmücken' (to decorate, adorn). 'Schmuck' is therefore what is used for decorating or adorning.
Sie schmückte den Weihnachtsbaum mit Kugeln und Lichtern.
She decorated the Christmas tree with baubles and lights.
When 'Schmuck' (jewelry) refers to items of jewelry such as rings or necklaces, it is an uncountable noun and is used only in the singular. To name individual pieces, you use the word 'das Schmuckstück' (piece of jewelry; plural: 'die Schmuckstücke' — pieces of jewelry).
Sie besitzt viele Schmuckstücke, aber sie trägt selten Schmuck.
She owns many pieces of jewelry, but she rarely wears jewelry.
Special verbs are often used in connection with jewelry. You can say 'Schmuck tragen' (to wear jewelry), 'Schmuck anlegen' (to put on jewelry), or 'Schmuck ablegen' (to take off jewelry).
Vor dem Sport sollte man seinen Schmuck ablegen.
Before doing sports, you should take off your jewelry.
In the meaning of 'Verzierung' (decoration/ornament), 'Schmuck' usually refers to buildings or rooms. You can recognize this meaning from combinations with words like 'Fassade' (facade), 'Decke' (ceiling), 'Wand' (wall), or 'Tor' (gate).
Die alte Villa hat einen wunderschönen Schmuck an der Fassade.
The old villa has beautiful decoration on the facade.
plaster / finery
'der Schmuck' and 'der Putz' can both refer to something you wear in order to look especially beautiful or festive. 'Schmuck' is the normal word for rings, necklaces, or bracelets. 'Putz' in this meaning refers to striking, fine clothing or jewelry, but it sounds old-fashioned today and mainly occurs in fixed or literary expressions. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with outward beauty. In everyday language, 'Schmuck' is almost always more natural; 'Putz' is not really used today for modern conversations about jewelry.
Zur Hochzeit trägt Lena nur wenig Schmuck, aber er passt sehr gut zu ihrem Kleid.
Lena wears only a little jewelry to the wedding, but it goes very well with her dress.
Die alte Dame erschien in feinem Putz zum Fest.
The old lady appeared at the celebration in fine finery.