This is the 15655th most frequent German word.
zarten
"Zarten" means "to tenderize" or "to make delicate."
In this sentence, 'zarten' is an adjective in the plural dative case used to describe the noun 'Pinselstrichen', emphasizing delicateness or gentleness.
Die Künstlerin malte die Blütenblätter mit zarten Pinselstrichen.
The artist painted the petals with delicate brush strokes.
Here, 'zarten' is used adjectivally to describe the noun 'Fleisch' in its nominative and masculine singular form, emphasizing how tender the meat has become due to cooking.
Das Fleisch ist nach langem Kochen so zarten geworden.
The meat has become so tender after long cooking.
In this usage, 'zarten' describes the noun 'Klangeffekt' in the accusative singular masculine form, highlighting an aspect of gentleness in the tonal effect of her voice.