01
silbern
silver
Consisting of or made from the precious metal silver.
example
Sie trug eine Kette mit einem silbernen Anhänger.
She wore a necklace with a silver pendant.
silbern
silver
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'silbern' (silver) is derived from the noun 'das Silber' (silver). The ending '-n' or '-ern' is often used to form adjectives that describe a material, as also in 'golden' (golden) or 'hölzern' (wooden).
EXAMPLE
Er polierte das silberne Besteck für die Feier.
He polished the silver cutlery for the celebration.
Context clue
Context tells you whether 'silbern' (silver) refers to the material or the color. With jewelry or cutlery, the material is often meant. With objects like cars, or when describing light and hair, 'silbern' always refers to the color.
EXAMPLE
Ihr silbernes Haar glänzte in der Sonne.
Her silver hair shone in the sun.
Fixed expression
With regard to anniversaries, 'silbern' (silver) is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'die silberne Hochzeit' (silver wedding anniversary) for a 25-year wedding anniversary.
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr feiern wir unsere silberne Hochzeit.
Next year we are celebrating our silver wedding anniversary.
Poetic language
The use of 'silbern' (silvery) to describe a sound is poetic or literary. It is often found in combinations such as 'eine silberne Stimme' (a silvery voice) or 'ein silbernes Lachen' (a silvery laugh) to describe a bright and clear tone.
EXAMPLE
Das silberne Lachen des Kindes erfüllte den Raum.
The child’s silvery laughter filled the room.
Compare with
silbern vs klar
clear
'klar' and 'silbern' can both describe a bright, pure impression, especially with a sound. 'klar' is the normal word when a tone can be heard well, is distinct, and is not muffled. 'silbern' sounds more poetic and describes a bright, beautiful sound that calls silver to mind. In everyday speech, people usually say 'eine klare Stimme' (a clear voice) or 'ein klarer Ton' (a clear tone). 'Silbern' fits better in literary or especially vivid language.
silbern
Aus der Ferne hörte man das silberne Klingen der kleinen Glocke.
From far away, you could hear the silvery ringing of the small bell.
klar
Die Stimme der Sängerin war klar und gut zu verstehen.
The singer's voice was clear and easy to understand.
In real life
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