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nounnoun

der Spitz, -e

spitz · Spitz

Definition & meaning

Spitz has several related meanings in German:

  1. A Spitz dog
    der Spitz is a type of dog characterized by pointed, upright ears, a pointed muzzle, and usually a thick coat and curled tail. It can refer to the general Spitz family or, depending on context, to a specific breed such as the German Spitz.

  2. Pointed or sharp
    The lowercase adjective spitz means “pointed” or “sharp,” as in a pointed object or a sharp blade. It can also describe a person who is quick-witted, perceptive, or sometimes sarcastically clever.

  3. Peak or summit
    In certain contexts, der Spitz can refer to a pointed summit or tip, although die Spitze is much more common for “tip,” “point,” or “peak.”

Grammar & Word origin

  • Noun: der Spitz
  • Plural: die Spitze or, when referring to dogs, commonly die Spitze
  • Adjective: spitz
  • Comparative: spitzer
  • Superlative: am spitzesten or der spitzeste

As a noun, Spitz is related to the adjective spitz “pointed.” The word ultimately comes from the Germanic root associated with a point or sharp tip. The dog’s name refers to its characteristically pointed muzzle and ears.

Synonyms & antonyms

For the dog

  • der Hund — “dog”; a general term, whereas der Spitz refers to a particular type of dog.
  • der Deutsche Spitz — “German Spitz”; a more specific breed designation.

For “pointed” or “sharp”

  • spitz zulaufend — “tapering to a point”; more descriptive than spitz.
  • scharf — “sharp”; usually refers to an edge, blade, taste, or intense quality, while spitz emphasizes a pointed shape.
  • zugespitzt — “pointed” or “sharply formulated”; often used figuratively for an argument or statement.

Possible antonyms include:

  • stumpf — “blunt” or “dull”; the opposite of spitz when referring to an edge or point.
  • rund — “round”; the opposite of spitz when referring to shape.
  • abgerundet — “rounded off”; describes something whose sharp points or edges have been removed.

Common phrases & collocations

  • ein spitzer Bleistift — a sharp pencil
  • spitze Ohren — pointed ears
  • eine spitze Nase — a pointed nose
  • ein spitzer Gegenstand — a sharp or pointed object
  • ein spitzer Kommentar — a sharp, biting, or sarcastic comment
  • ein Deutscher Spitz — a German Spitz dog

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Examples

Der Spitz schläft neben dem Kamin.noun

The spitz sleeps next to the fireplace.

Der Spitz bewacht den Garten jeden Morgen.noun

The Spitz guards the garden every morning.

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