schmale

Schmale is the attributive form of the German adjective schmal, meaning narrow or slim. It is used before a noun in situations where a definite determiner is present, and it inflects to agree with the gender and number of the noun. In singular, the form schmale appears for masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns when preceded by a definite article: der schmale Weg, die schmale Brücke, das schmale Stück. In plural with a definite article the form is schmalen: die schmalen Straßen. The form schmale can also occur with feminine or neuter nouns in the singular after an indefinite article in the mixed declension, as in eine schmale Brücke, ein schmaler Weg.

As a basic meaning, schmal denotes narrow in physical width, but it can also describe narrow in other senses, such as narrow margins or a narrow range of options. The word has its origins in the Germanic word for narrow and has cognates in other Germanic languages.

Schmale also appears as a surname in German-speaking regions. When used as a family name, it is treated as a proper noun and is not declined like the adjective. Surnames such as Schmale are encountered in various countries with German heritage, though they are relatively uncommon.

In usage, care is needed to apply the correct ending of the adjective based on the article and noun class. Schmale contrasts with schmaler, which is the comparative form used in predicative or non-attributive contexts or with different declension patterns, such as der Weg ist schmaler than der Weg ist schmal. Understanding the endings helps ensure correct grammar in written and spoken German.