German word

zart

Pronunciation

IPA/tsaːɐ̯t/

Meaning

  • adjectivedelicate

Example

Sie hat eine zarte Stimme.

She has a delicate voice.

Illustration for zart (delicate)

More examples

Dieses Parfum hat ein zartes Aroma.

This perfume has a delicate aroma.

Core concept

A silk thread that bends under the lightest touch conveys something zart: fine, gentle, and lacking force.

Common phrases

  • zartes Aroma

    delicate aroma

  • zarte Textur

    delicate texture

  • zartes Lächeln

    delicate smile

Similar words

weich: Yielding easily to pressure and changing shape without much resistance.
sanft: Gentle and restrained rather than strong or forceful.
fein: Fine in detail or quality, with an elegant character.

Definition in German

Sanft in Ausdruck oder Beschaffenheit; etwas, das eine feine, kaum kräftige Wirkung hat.

Word origin

German zart continues Old High German zart through Middle High German zart, with the modern adjective retaining the older form.

Usage tips

  • For physical softness, German usually uses weich, while zart often suggests fineness, tenderness, or a mild effect rather than simple pliability.

Other meanings

  • softadjective
  • gentleadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • zärtlichtenderadjective
  • Zartheitdelicacynoun

Word lists with this word