der Stoff
Translation
fabric, material, substance, subject matter
Examples
Das Kleid ist aus einem leichten Stoff.
The dress is made of a light fabric.
Chemie beschäftigt sich mit verschiedenen Stoffen.
Chemistry deals with various substances.
Der Stoff für die Prüfung ist sehr schwer.
The subject matter for the exam is very difficult.
Grammar Patterns
((the material)) ((for sth.)) the material for sth. The material for the exam is difficult.
((the fabric)) ((made of sth.)) the fabric made of sth. The dress is made of a light fabric.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Material, Gewebe (fabric), Substanz, Thema (topic)
Etymology
From Old High German 'stof', related to the English word 'stuff'.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'stuff'. It can refer to physical material ('fabric stuff') and also abstract content ('the stuff we need to learn'), just like German 'Stoff'.