die Masse, -n
mass
Es ist die Menge an Stoff in einem Körper, die beschreibt, wie schwer er ist und wie stark er sich bewegen lässt.
Definition & meaning
The German word Masse has several distinct meanings depending on the context:
- Physical Mass: In science and physics, it refers to the property of a physical body that is a measure of its resistance to acceleration when a net force is applied. It is typically measured in kilograms.
- Large Quantity: It describes a great number or a large amount of something, often implying an uncounted or overwhelming volume.
- Substance or Paste: In cooking or industry, it refers to a thick, malleable, or soft substance, such as dough, mortar, or a mixture of ingredients that have not yet been shaped.
- The Masses (People): It refers to a large, dense group of people or the general population as a whole, often used in a sociological or political context to distinguish the common people from the elite.
- Insolvency Estate: In legal terms, particularly in bankruptcy law, it refers to the total assets of a debtor that are available to be distributed among creditors.
Grammar & Word origin
The word Masse is a feminine noun (die Masse). Its plural form is Massen.
Historically, the word entered the German language in the 14th century from the French word masse. This originated from the Latin massa, which means "kneaded dough" or "lump." The Latin term itself was borrowed from the Greek word māza (μάζα), which referred to a barley cake or a firm dough. This etymological root highlights the original meaning of a shapeless, thick substance that can be molded.
In modern German, it is important to distinguish die Masse (mass) from die Maße (measurements/dimensions), which is the plural of das Maß.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Menge : Used when referring to a large quantity or amount.
- Vielzahl : Refers to a great variety or a high number of items.
- Gewicht : Used specifically in the context of physical weight or importance.
- Teig : A specific synonym when the "Masse" refers to dough or a baking mixture.
- Volk : Often used when referring to the masses in a social or political sense.
Antonyms:
- Einzelheit : Refers to a single detail or item, as opposed to a large mass.
- Individuum : Used when referring to a single person instead of a large crowd or group.
- Leere : Meaning emptiness, which is the physical opposite of a mass or substance.
- Mangel : Referring to a shortage or lack of something, contrasting with a large quantity.
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Examples
Die Masse des Pakets übersteigt zwei Kilogramm.noun
The mass of the package exceeds two kilograms.
Bei dem Festival drängten große Massen zum Eingang.noun
At the festival large masses pushed toward the entrance.
Er knetete die zähe Masse gründlich durch.noun
He kneaded the thick mass thoroughly.
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