01
der Smaragd
emerald
A valuable, transparent gemstone with a characteristic green color.
example
Die Kette war mit einem wunderschönen Smaragd verziert.
The necklace was decorated with a beautiful emerald.
der Smaragd
emerald
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Meanings
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Usage tips
The adjective 'smaragdgrün'
The common adjective 'smaragdgrün' (emerald green) is derived from the noun 'der Smaragd' (the emerald). It describes the typical bright green color of the gemstone.
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser des Bergsees war klar und smaragdgrün.
The water of the mountain lake was clear and emerald green.
Context clue
When 'Smaragd' (emerald) is countable, for example with an article or in the plural, it refers to the gemstone. When it describes a quality, often in the phrase 'in Smaragd' (in emerald) or as part of an adjective, it refers to the color.
EXAMPLE
Die Kette war mit drei kleinen Smaragden besetzt.
The necklace was set with three small emeralds.
Typical collocations
As a gemstone, 'Smaragd' (emerald) is often mentioned in the context of jewelry and value. Typical combinations are 'ein Ring mit einem Smaragd' (a ring with an emerald), 'ein geschliffener Smaragd' (a cut emerald), or 'ein wertvoller Smaragd' (a valuable emerald).
EXAMPLE
Sie bekam zum Jubiläum einen Ring mit einem großen, geschliffenen Smaragd.
For her anniversary, she received a ring with a large, cut emerald.
Compare with
Smaragd vs Saphir
sapphire
'der Saphir' and 'der Smaragd' are both valuable gemstones and can also refer to a bright color. The most important difference is the color. A sapphire is usually blue and also stands for a strong blue. An emerald is green and also stands for a strong green. Learners may confuse the words because both gemstone names sound similar and appear in similar situations, for example with jewelry. If the stone or color is blue, 'Saphir' fits. If it is green, 'Smaragd' fits.
Smaragd
Wegen seiner grünen Farbe hielt ihr Vater den Stein für einen Smaragd.
Because of its green color, her father thought the stone was an emerald.
Saphir
Der Ring meiner Großmutter hat einen tiefblauen Saphir.
My grandmother's ring has a deep-blue sapphire.
In real life
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