Clematis

clematis; traveller's joy (climbing plant)

noun KLAY-ma-tis Rare

Origin: from Greek klema (vine branch)

Usage Note

Clematis is one of the most popular climbing garden plants in Germany, grown on trellises, fences and pergolas for its large, showy flowers in purple, pink, white or red. The native wild species is Gewöhnliche Waldrebe (Clematis vitalba). Note the plural is unchanged: die Clematis.

Examples

"Die lila Clematis kletterte am Zaun empor und blühte den ganzen Sommer lang."

Natural Translation

The purple clematis climbed up the fence and bloomed all summer long.

Literal Translation

The purple clematis climbed at the fence upwards and bloomed the whole summer long.

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