bloßem

Bloßem is a grammatical form of the German adjective bloß, used as an attributive modifier in the dative singular for masculine or neuter nouns. In everyday usage you commonly see it in phrases such as mit bloßem Auge (with the naked eye) or mit bloßem Kopf (with a bare head). When a definite determiner is present, the ending changes and the form becomes dem bloßen Auge or dem bloßen Kopf. The form bloßem thus reflects standard German adjective declension in the dative singular without articles, while bloßen appears with definite articles or other determiners.

Meaning and usage

Bloß has two related but distinct functions. As an adjective it conveys the sense of bare or naked, e.g., bloße Haut (bare skin) or bloßes Licht (bare light). In such attributive use, bloßem marks the dative masculine or neuter form. Bloß can also function as an adverb meaning merely or only, as in das ist bloß ein Gerücht (that’s only/merely a rumor). In this adverbial use, bloß is not declined and appears independent of noun endings.

Etymology and history

The word bloß originates in the Germanic language family and appears in Old High German and Middle High German with senses tied to being bare or exposed. Over time, the adjective bloß acquired the additional adverbial meaning of “only/merely,” which is common in modern German usage. The inflected form bloßem shows how the word is integrated into German grammar, aligning with standard declension patterns for adjectives in the dative singular.

See also

German adjectives, declension, bloß (adverbial use).