fein
Meaning and Usage
"Fein" in German can be used to mean "fine" or "delicate," and it is utilized in various contexts to describe something as being of high quality, thin, subtle, or refined. It can also be employed to express agreement or satisfaction, similar to "okay" or "good" in English.
Linguistic Analysis
"Fein" is an adjective in German and does not have a prefix or suffix. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old High German word "feini," meaning "delicate" or "fine."
Comparisons between German and English
The word "fein" in German is similar to the English word "fine" in both meaning and usage, although it can also convey a sense of subtlety or refinement that may not be encapsulated by the English equivalent.
Cultural Context
In German culture, "fein" is often used to express refinement, sophistication, or attention to detail in various aspects of life, such as food, art, or manners.
Example Sentences
- Das ist ein feiner Stoff. (This is a fine fabric.)
- Alles ist in Ordnung, fein. (Everything is fine, okay.)
- Sie hat einen feinen Geschmack. (She has a refined taste.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "fein," think of something delicate or of high quality as being "fine" in German.
Additional Vocabulary
- Synonyms: zart (delicate), edel (noble), exquisit (exquisite)
- Antonyms: grob (coarse), gewöhnlich (common), schlecht (bad)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
Gender: "fein" is an adjective and does not have a specific gender or plural form.
Conjugation (for verbs)
As an adjective, "fein" does not have a conjugated form for verbs.