Leim

Leim is the German noun for glue or adhesive, a sticky substance used to bind materials. In everyday usage it refers to water- or emulsion-based products suitable for crafts, bookbinding, woodworking, and paper work, as opposed to many solvent-based industrial adhesives. The term covers a broad range of products, from household glues to specialized pastes.

Common types include animal glue (Tierleim), casein glue (Kaseinleim), and starch paste (Stärkleim). Each type has distinct properties: animal glue forms a relatively flexible bond when dry but is sensitive to humidity; casein glue offers stronger, more water-resistant bonds; starch paste is inexpensive and easy to prepare but weaker and more moisture-sensitive. In modern practice, synthetic glues are described as Leim when used in crafts or restoration, though Klebstoff remains the broader term for adhesives.

Leim is also used as a verb, leimen, meaning to glue or fasten with glue. In traditional crafts such as bookbinding, paper conservation, and woodworking, Leim is valued for reversibility and the ability to soften bonds with moisture.

Etymology and usage: Leim originates from Old High German leim and is cognate with related terms in West Germanic languages. In German, Klebstoff names the broader category of adhesives, including modern synthetic products, while Leim often designates traditional or water-based varieties.