Metall
Meaning and Usage
"Metall" in German translates to "metal" in English. It refers to a solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity. This word is used to describe any metallic element or alloy, and it commonly appears in various contexts including industry, construction, chemistry, and everyday life.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "Metall" does not have any prefix, root, or suffix. It comes from the Latin word "metallum" and the Greek word "metallon," whose meanings are related to mining and quarrying metals.
Comparisons between German and English
As with many technical and scientific terms, "Metall" and "metal" are very similar in both German and English, making it easy for English speakers to recognize and understand the word in German.
Cultural Context
Germany has a rich history in metallurgy, and its contributions to the development of metalworking and alloy production have been significant. Therefore, the word "Metall" carries cultural connotations related to German engineering and industry.
Example Sentences
- Das Auto hat eine Metallkarosserie. (The car has a metal body.)
- Gold ist ein wertvolles Metall. (Gold is a precious metal.)
Memory Tips
To remember the word "Metall," you can associate it with the English word "metal" and its properties, or think of the strong presence of German engineering and industry in relation to metal production.
Additional Vocabulary
- Das Eisen (iron)
- Der Stahl (steel)
- Der Kupfer (copper)
- Das Silber (silver)
- Das Gold (gold)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
It is a neuter noun: "das Metall" (singular) and "die Metalle" (plural).
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A