leichtem

Leichtem is a German attributive adjective form meaning “light” in the sense of not heavy or easy, and it is the dative singular form of the adjective leicht. In German, adjectives preceding a noun change their endings to reflect case, gender, and number, and the exact form depends on the determiner or article that accompanies the noun. Leichtem appears most commonly in the dative singular, particularly when there is no definite article or when the determiner does not supply a dative ending.

Common uses include phrases such as mit leichtem Gepäck (with light luggage) and in leichtem Maß (to a small extent). In sentences with definite articles, the ending differs: dem leichten Mann (dative masculine), der leichten Frau (dative feminine), dem leichten Kind (dative neuter). In the dative plural, the form becomes den leichten Büchern (with a determiner in the dative plural). These forms illustrate how the same stem leicht shifts to leichtem, leichten, or anderen endings depending on the grammatical context.

Etymologically, leicht derives from the Old High German lecht and is cognate with Dutch licht and English light, sharing a common Germanic root related to weight, brightness, and ease. Today, leicht is used across several senses, including not heavy, not difficult or effortless, and light in color or weight, with leichtem serving as the appropriate dative inflection in suitable phrases.

See also German grammar and adjective declension, as well as the semantic range of leicht in weight, ease, and brightness contexts.