adornment
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adornment
Something that serves as ornamentation or decoration and makes a person, object, or place more beautiful. The term is often perceived as elevated or slightly old-fashioned.
Die alten Schnitzereien an der Fassade dienen allein der Zier.
The old carvings on the facade serve solely as adornment.
'Die Zier' (adornment) belongs to a word family around the theme of ornamentation and beauty. Related words are the verb 'zieren' (to adorn/decorate something) and the adjective 'zierlich' (delicate, graceful).
Blumen zieren den Balkon.
Flowers adorn the balcony.
The word stem 'Zier-' is often used as the first part of compound nouns to show that something is decorative and not primarily useful. Examples are 'Zierpflanze' (ornamental plant), 'Zierfisch' (ornamental fish), or 'Ziergarten' (ornamental garden).
Im Gartencenter gibt es eine große Auswahl an Zierpflanzen.
At the garden center there is a large selection of ornamental plants.
The word 'Zier' (adornment) on its own is rarely used today and sounds rather elevated or poetic. In everyday language, one would more likely speak of 'Schmuck' (ornament/jewelry) or 'Dekoration' (decoration).
Das Gedicht beschreibt die Sterne als Zier der Nacht.
The poem describes the stars as the adornment of the night.
The expression 'zur Zier' (for decoration) is a fixed construction. It means that something is there only for decorative reasons and fulfills no practical purpose.
Die antike Vase im Regal steht dort nur zur Zier.
The antique vase on the shelf is there only for decoration.
jewelry / decoration
'Schmuck' and 'Zier' both have to do with something that is meant to make things more beautiful. 'Schmuck' is the normal word for rings, necklaces, or bracelets, but also for decoration on objects or in rooms. 'Zier' sounds more elevated or a little old-fashioned and refers more to a decorative effect. The expression 'zur Zier' (for decoration) is especially common, meaning only as decoration and not for a practical purpose. Learners may confuse the words because both express beautification. In everyday language, 'Schmuck' is usually more natural; 'Zier' fits better in fixed expressions or in a more formal style.
Die kleinen Blumen am Rand des Tellers sind nur zur Zier.
The small flowers around the edge of the plate are only for decoration.
Vor der Feier legt Maria ihren Schmuck auf den Tisch und sucht die passende Kette aus.
Before the celebration, Maria puts her jewelry on the table and chooses the right necklace.