soft
Soft and not hard or firm; yielding easily.
EXAMPLE
Das Material ist angenehm soft und fühlt sich wie Samt an.
The material is pleasantly soft and feels like velvet.
soft
soft – softer – am softesten
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Meanings
soft
Quiet, muted, or restrained in its effect.
EXAMPLE
Im Raum war softes Licht, und im Hintergrund lief leise Musik.
The room was filled with soft light, and quiet music was playing in the background.
soft
Lenient or not very strict, especially in dealing with rules or other people.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Trainer ist viel zu soft und lässt die Mannschaft oft früher gehen.
The new coach is far too soft and often lets the team leave early.
Forms
Comparison
| basic form | soft |
|---|---|
| comparative | softer |
| superlative | am softesten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to soft.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to soft.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to soft.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of „soft“ (soft) is often clear from the noun it refers to: with materials, it concerns the surface; with light or music, it describes a muted effect; and with people or rules, it refers to leniency.
EXAMPLE
Das Fell der jungen Katze ist ganz soft.
The kitten's fur is really soft.
Die Musik klingt heute sehr soft.
The music sounds very soft today.
Im Umgang mit den Jugendlichen bleibt sie bewusst soft.
She deliberately remains soft in her dealings with the teenagers.
Register and style
„Soft“ (soft) is an English loanword and is especially common in advertising, fashion and lifestyle texts, as well as in casual everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Die Werbung verspricht ein besonders softes Hautgefühl.
The advertisement promises an especially soft feeling on the skin.
Typical collocations
When referring to materials, „soft“ (soft) is often followed by specific fabrics or objects, for example „softes Leder“ (soft leather), „softes Material“ (soft material), or „ein softes Kissen“ (a soft cushion).
EXAMPLE
Die Jacke besteht aus softem Leder und ist sehr bequem.
The jacket is made of soft leather and is very comfortable.
Light and sound
With light, music, or sounds, „soft“ (soft) often describes a muted and restrained effect. Typical collocations include „softes Licht“ (soft light) and „soft klingen“ (to sound soft).
EXAMPLE
Im Restaurant sorgt softes Licht für eine ruhige Atmosphäre.
The soft lighting in the restaurant creates a calm atmosphere.
Dealing with people
When referring to people, parenting styles, or rules, „soft“ (soft) is often used with verbs such as „sein“ (to be), „reagieren“ (to react), or „umgehen“ (to deal with). It describes an approach that is less strict or more lenient.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef reagiert bei kleinen Fehlern ziemlich soft.
The boss reacts quite softly to minor mistakes.
In real life
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