schlichtem

Schlichtem is an inflected form of the German adjective schlicht, meaning plain or simple. It is used as the dative singular form when the adjective modifies a masculine or neuter noun and the determiners or article do not mark the case in a way that would require a different ending. In standard German, the ending -em signals dative singular in strong declension.

Morphology and usage

German adjectives change endings according to case, gender, and the determiner used. Schlichtem appears most often in contexts with no definite article or other determiners that do not specify gender and number, yielding the strong declension in the dative singular. Typical contexts include descriptions of style, design, architecture, or material, where a plain or austere quality is being stated.

Examples

- mit schlichtem Stil (with plain/simple style)

- aus schlichtem Holz (from plain/simple wood)

- in schlichtem Design (in simple design)

Etymology and related terms

Schlichtem derives from the adjective schlicht, which traces back to Old High German sclîht and ultimately to a common Germanic root meaning plain or unadorned. Related forms include schlichte (nominative feminine or plural forms in uninflected positions) and other declined variants used across cases and genders.

Notes

Schlichtem is a functional form rather than a standalone lexical entry. Its use is common in descriptive or formal writing, especially when emphasizing simplicity or austerity in style, material, or appearance.