German word

steinern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtaɪ̯nɐn/

Meaning

  • adjectivestone

Example

Die Kirche hat steinerne Säulen.

The church has stone pillars.

Illustration for steinern (stone)

More examples

Er antwortete mit steinerner Stimme.

He replied in a stony voice.

Core concept

A church supported by solid stone columns, with the material visible in their weight and permanence.

Common phrases

  • steinerne Miene

    stony expression

  • ein steinernes Herz

    a stony heart

Similar words

steinig: Containing many small stones or gravel and having an uneven surface.
felsig: Dominated by large rocks and a rugged, rough appearance.
massiv: Solidly built with considerable thickness and weight, resisting damage.

Definition in German

aus Stein hergestellt; das Material ist Stein

Word origin

German steinern derives from Stein, 'stone', with the adjective-forming suffix -ern indicating a material or characteristic relation.

Usage tips

  • Steinern describes something made of stone, whereas steinig usually describes ground or surfaces covered with stones or gravel.

Opposites

Related words

  • versteinernpetrifyverb
  • Versteinerungpetrificationnoun

Word lists with this word