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B1 noun #46 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

molecules

Top 46

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At the A1 level, you can think of 'molecules' as the very tiny pieces that make up everything. Imagine everything you see—your water, your food, your toys—is made of millions of tiny dots. These dots are so small that you cannot see them with your eyes. We call these tiny dots 'molecules'. For example, water is made of water molecules. When you drink water, you are drinking billions of these tiny pieces. Even though you are just starting to learn English, you can remember that 'molecule' means a 'very small part' of something in science. You don't need to know the hard science yet, just that they are the building blocks of the world. Think of them like the smallest LEGO pieces. You use many LEGO pieces to build a house. In the same way, nature uses many molecules to build a tree or a person. When you see the word in a book, just think: 'This is a tiny piece of science.'

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At the A2 level, you should understand that 'molecules' are the smallest units of a substance. For example, if you take a piece of sugar and keep breaking it into smaller and smaller pieces, the smallest piece that is still sugar is a sugar molecule. Molecules are made of even smaller things called atoms. You can use the word 'molecules' when talking about basic science or health. For instance, 'Water molecules are made of hydrogen and oxygen.' You might also see this word in health news, like 'The molecules in this fruit are good for your heart.' It is a noun, and the plural is 'molecules'. You can count them, but there are usually so many that we just say 'many molecules'. It is important to know that molecules move. In hot things, molecules move fast. In cold things, they move slowly. This is a simple way to use the word in your basic science conversations.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'molecules' in more specific contexts, particularly in school or when discussing the environment. A molecule is defined as two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. This is the smallest part of a chemical compound that can exist on its own. You should be able to explain simple processes using the word. For example, 'When water boils, the molecules move so fast that they turn into gas.' You will also encounter the word in discussions about biology, such as 'DNA molecules carry our genetic information.' At this level, you should start to distinguish between 'atoms' (the single elements) and 'molecules' (the groups of atoms). You might also hear the word in marketing, like 'This soap removes dirt molecules from your clothes.' It is a useful word for describing how things work at a level we cannot see. You should feel comfortable using it in both written reports and spoken explanations about nature or technology.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'molecules' and be able to use it in technical or academic discussions. You understand that molecules have specific structures and shapes, which determine how they behave. For instance, you might discuss how the shape of a protein molecule allows it to perform a specific function in the body. You should also be familiar with related terms like 'molecular structure', 'molecular weight', and 'intermolecular forces'. In a B2 level essay, you might write about how 'greenhouse gas molecules' trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in more complex sentence structures, such as 'The researchers analyzed the interaction between the drug molecules and the target cells.' You are expected to use the word accurately, avoiding the common confusion between molecules, atoms, and ions. Your vocabulary should include common collocations like 'organic molecules', 'complex molecules', and 'synthetic molecules'.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'molecules' should be precise and nuanced. You understand the complexities of molecular biology and chemistry. You can discuss 'macromolecules' like polymers and 'signaling molecules' that regulate physiological processes. You should be able to read and summarize scientific papers that discuss 'molecular synthesis' or 'molecular modeling'. At this level, you might use the word in a professional context, such as explaining the 'molecular basis' of a disease or the 'molecular composition' of a new material. You are also aware of the word's use in 'molecular gastronomy' or 'molecular mixology', where science meets art. Your writing should reflect an understanding of how molecules interact through various types of bonds and forces. You can use the word in complex arguments, such as 'The efficacy of the treatment depends on the ability of the molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier.' You should also be able to handle the word in figurative language with ease, though its primary use remains scientific.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native or expert-level command of the term 'molecules'. You can engage in deep technical discussions about 'molecular orbital theory', 'molecular dynamics simulations', or 'supramolecular chemistry'. You understand the philosophical and historical context of the word, from the early atomic theories to modern nanotechnology. You can use the word with absolute precision in any register, whether you are writing a peer-reviewed scientific article, a legal document regarding chemical patents, or a sophisticated piece of popular science literature. You can effortlessly navigate the nuances between 'molecular' and 'atomic' properties and discuss the 'molecular architecture' of complex systems. Your use of the word is characterized by total accuracy and the ability to explain highly abstract concepts to others. You might discuss the 'stochastic movement of molecules' or the 'molecular signatures' used in deep-space exploration. At this level, the word is a fundamental tool in your extensive scientific and academic vocabulary.

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Molecules are the smallest units of a chemical compound made of two or more atoms bonded together.
They are essential for all physical matter and determine the properties of substances like water and air.
Molecules are invisible to the naked eye but can be seen using powerful electron microscopes.
The word is commonly used in science, medicine, cooking, and environmental discussions to describe microscopic structures.

The term molecules refers to the fundamental building blocks of chemical compounds. In the most basic sense, a molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. These atoms can be the same, such as two oxygen atoms forming an oxygen molecule (O2), or different, such as two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom forming a water molecule (H2O). Understanding molecules is essential because they determine the physical and chemical characteristics of everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and the materials we use in our daily lives.

Scientific Context: In chemistry, molecules are the smallest particles of a substance that retain all the properties of that substance. If you were to break a water molecule apart, you would no longer have water; you would have hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Scientists are studying how specific molecules in the atmosphere contribute to global warming by trapping heat from the sun.

People use this word most frequently in educational, scientific, and medical settings. However, it has also entered common parlance when discussing health, nutrition, and technology. For instance, a skincare advertisement might mention 'moisturizing molecules' that penetrate deep into the skin, or a nutritionist might talk about 'antioxidant molecules' found in blueberries. In these contexts, the word conveys a sense of precision and scientific backing, suggesting that the product or food works at a fundamental, microscopic level.

Biological Importance: Biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, are incredibly complex and large. These 'macromolecules' carry the genetic blueprint for life and perform the work inside our cells.

The DNA molecule is shaped like a twisted ladder, known as a double helix, which stores all our genetic information.

The word is also used metaphorically in some high-level discussions to describe the smallest discrete units of a system, though this is rare compared to its scientific usage. In most cases, when you hear 'molecules', you should think about the invisible, vibrating particles that make up the physical world. Whether it is the scent molecules of a flower reaching your nose or the sugar molecules dissolving in your coffee, the concept is everywhere.

Industrial Application: Engineers manipulate molecules to create new materials, such as plastics, medicines, and high-performance fabrics, by rearranging how atoms bond together.

By altering the structure of these molecules, researchers can create materials that are stronger than steel yet incredibly lightweight.

Carbon dioxide molecules consist of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

The fragrance of the perfume is carried by volatile molecules that evaporate quickly at room temperature.

Using the word molecules correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its role as a noun. It is most commonly used as the subject or object of a sentence describing physical processes, chemical reactions, or biological functions. Because molecules are physical entities, they are often described by their movement, structure, size, or interaction with other molecules. For example, you might say molecules 'vibrate', 'bond', 'break apart', or 'collide'.

Describing Movement: When heat is applied to a substance, its molecules move faster and spread further apart, which is why ice melts into water and water turns into steam.

As the temperature rises, the molecules in the liquid begin to move more energetically.

In academic writing, you will often see 'molecules' paired with specific adjectives that define their type or behavior. Common pairings include 'organic molecules', 'polar molecules', 'complex molecules', and 'signaling molecules'. These adjectives help specify which part of chemistry or biology is being discussed. For instance, 'signaling molecules' are crucial in biology for explaining how cells communicate with one another to coordinate body functions.

Describing Composition: You can use the word to describe what a substance is made of. For example: 'A molecule of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.'

The researchers identified several unknown molecules in the soil samples taken from the deep forest.

Furthermore, the word is used in the context of 'molecular' (the adjective form). You might talk about 'molecular biology', 'molecular structure', or 'molecular weight'. When using the noun 'molecules', remember that it is a countable noun. You can have one molecule, two molecules, or billions of molecules. In a single drop of water, there are approximately 1.5 sextillion molecules, a number so large it is difficult to comprehend.

Metaphorical Usage: While rare, you might hear someone say 'every molecule of my being' to emphasize total commitment or feeling. This is a figurative way of saying 'every part of me'.

I believe in this project with every molecule of my body.

The filter is designed to trap large molecules while allowing smaller ones to pass through.

When the two molecules collide, they undergo a chemical reaction that releases energy.

You will encounter the word molecules in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the highly academic to the everyday commercial. Its most frequent home is in the classroom or laboratory. Students from middle school through university hear this word daily in chemistry, biology, and physics lectures. Professors use it to explain everything from how gas expands to how drugs interact with receptors in the human brain. If you watch science documentaries on platforms like Netflix or the BBC, you will hear narrators describe the 'molecules of life' or the 'interstellar molecules' found in deep space.

In Healthcare and Medicine: Doctors and pharmacists use the term when discussing how medications work. A pharmacist might explain that a certain drug contains molecules that block pain signals in the nervous system.

The new vaccine works by introducing a molecule that teaches the immune system to recognize the virus.

Beyond the lab, the word is a staple of the beauty and wellness industry. Marketing materials for high-end skincare often boast about 'hyaluronic acid molecules' or 'collagen-boosting molecules'. In this context, the word is used to lend an air of authority and scientific effectiveness to the product. Similarly, in the world of 'molecular gastronomy', chefs use scientific principles to change the physical and chemical states of ingredients, often talking about how they are manipulating the molecules of food to create new textures like foams or gels.

In Environmental Science: Climate scientists frequently discuss 'greenhouse gas molecules' like CO2 and methane, explaining how their structure allows them to absorb infrared radiation.

The ozone layer protects us by absorbing harmful UV rays, which would otherwise break apart the molecules in our DNA.

You might also hear it in the kitchen. When a chef explains why onions make you cry, they are talking about the sulfur-containing molecules that are released when the onion's cells are broken. When a coffee enthusiast discusses the 'aroma molecules' of a freshly roasted bean, they are describing the chemical compounds that give coffee its distinctive smell. In all these cases, 'molecules' serves as a bridge between the visible world we experience and the invisible chemical world that drives it.

In Technology: Nanotechnology is a field entirely dedicated to manipulating individual molecules and atoms to create microscopic machines and ultra-efficient electronics.

Engineers are developing 'smart' molecules that can deliver medicine directly to cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

The smell of rain is caused by molecules called geosmin produced by soil-dwelling bacteria.

Modern forensics can identify a suspect by analyzing the molecules of sweat or skin left at a crime scene.

The most frequent mistake learners make with the word molecules is confusing it with 'atoms'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. An atom is a single unit of an element (like one H or one O), whereas a molecule is a group of atoms bonded together (like H2O). If you refer to a single atom of gold as a 'molecule', you are technically incorrect because gold atoms in their metallic state do not form discrete molecules in the same way water does.

Molecule vs. Atom: Mistake: 'The oxygen molecule is the smallest part of an element.' Correct: 'The oxygen atom is the smallest part of an element; the oxygen molecule consists of two atoms.'

Incorrect: A water atom is made of hydrogen and oxygen. Correct: A water molecule is made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Another common error is confusing 'molecules' with 'compounds'. While many molecules are compounds (like H2O), not all molecules are compounds. A molecule can consist of atoms of the same element (like O2), but a compound must consist of at least two different elements. Conversely, not all compounds are made of molecules. For example, table salt (NaCl) is a compound, but it forms a repeating crystal lattice rather than individual, independent molecules. Calling a grain of salt a 'molecule' is a common scientific inaccuracy.

Pluralization and Countability: Learners sometimes treat 'molecules' as an uncountable noun, like 'water' or 'air'. Remember that it is countable. You should say 'many molecules' or 'fewer molecules', not 'much molecules' or 'less molecules'.

Incorrect: There is less molecules in the air at high altitudes. Correct: There are fewer molecules in the air at high altitudes.

In terms of pronunciation, some learners struggle with the 'u' sound in the middle. It is pronounced 'MOLL-uh-kyools', with the stress on the first syllable. Some might accidentally say 'mo-LECK-yools', which is incorrect. Additionally, in writing, ensure you don't confuse 'molecule' with 'molar' (a type of tooth or a unit of concentration) or 'mole' (a burrowing animal, a skin mark, or a chemical unit of measurement). While 'mole' and 'molecule' are related in chemistry, they represent different concepts: a mole is a quantity (6.022 x 10^23), while a molecule is a physical particle.

Contextual Misuse: Using 'molecule' when you mean 'cell' is another common slip-up in biology. A cell is a living unit containing millions of molecules. A molecule is never 'alive' on its own.

Incorrect: The bacteria is a single molecule. Correct: The bacteria is a single cell composed of many molecules.

It is wrong to say 'the molecule of iron' because iron is a metal that exists as an array of atoms, not discrete molecules.

Don't confuse the molecule (the object) with the 'mole' (the unit used to count the objects).

While molecules is a very specific scientific term, there are several words that are related or can be used as alternatives depending on the level of precision required. The most common synonyms in a general sense are 'particles' or 'units'. However, 'particle' is much broader and can refer to anything from a grain of sand to a subatomic electron. 'Molecules' is the correct term when you specifically mean a group of atoms bonded together.

Molecules vs. Particles: 'Particle' is a general term for a small piece of matter. 'Molecule' is a specific chemical term. Use 'particle' when talking about dust or smoke, but 'molecule' when talking about chemical properties.

The air was filled with dust particles, but it was the nitrogen molecules that made up most of the gas.

In biology, you might hear the term 'macromolecules'. This refers to very large molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), and polysaccharides. Using 'macromolecules' instead of 'molecules' adds a layer of specificity, indicating that the structures being discussed are complex and made of thousands of atoms. Another related term is 'compound'. As discussed previously, a compound is a substance made of different elements. While many molecules are compounds, 'compound' refers to the substance as a whole, while 'molecule' refers to the individual unit.

Molecules vs. Ions: An ion is an atom or molecule with an electrical charge. While a molecule is typically neutral, some molecules can become 'molecular ions'. Knowing the difference is key in chemistry.

The compound water is made of millions of individual H2O molecules.

In physics and chemistry, you might also encounter 'monomers' and 'polymers'. A monomer is a single molecule that can bond to others to form a long chain called a polymer. For example, glucose is a monomer molecule, and starch is a polymer made of many glucose molecules. Using these terms provides more information about how the molecules are organized. Lastly, 'substance' or 'matter' are very general terms that encompass molecules but are not specific enough for scientific descriptions of chemical structure.

Molecules vs. Atoms: An atom is the singular element; a molecule is the group. You cannot have a 'molecule of helium' in standard conditions because helium exists as single atoms.

Plastic is a polymer made of long chains of repeating molecules.

The complex molecules found in proteins are essential for muscle repair.

Each unit of the crystal is not a molecule but a repeating pattern of ions.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The term was first used in a scientific sense by Amedeo Avogadro in 1811, who distinguished between atoms and molecules, a revolutionary idea at the time.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl/

US /ˈmɑː.lə.kjuːl/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: MO-le-cule.

Reimt sich auf

minuscule ridicule reticule funicule vestibule schedule capsule granule

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'mo-LECK-yool' (stressing the second syllable).
Confusing it with 'molar' or 'mole'.
Failing to pronounce the 'y' sound in the third syllable (saying 'moll-uh-kool').
Treating it as a two-syllable word.
Mispronouncing the 'u' as a short 'uh' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in textbooks and news, but requires basic science knowledge.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct spelling and understanding of pluralization.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is generally straightforward once the stress is learned.

Hören 3/5

Easily recognized in scientific or educational audio.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

atom water small part science

Als Nächstes lernen

compound element chemical bond reaction nucleus

Fortgeschritten

covalent bond electronegativity isomer polymerization thermodynamics

Wichtige Grammatik

Pluralization of Nouns

One molecule, two molecules.

Countable vs. Uncountable

Use 'fewer molecules' (countable) not 'less molecules' (uncountable).

Adjective Placement

The 'complex organic' molecules (Opinion + Type).

Passive Voice in Science

The molecules 'were observed' under a microscope.

Prepositional Phrases

Molecules 'of' water, molecules 'in' the air.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Water is made of tiny molecules.

L'eau est faite de minuscules molécules.

Simple plural noun.

Molecules are very small.

Les molécules sont très petites.

Subject of the sentence.

We cannot see molecules with our eyes.

Nous ne pouvons pas voir les molécules avec nos yeux.

Direct object.

Sugar has many molecules.

Le sucre a beaucoup de molécules.

Countable noun after 'many'.

Air has molecules too.

L'air a aussi des molécules.

Used with 'too' for addition.

Everything is made of molecules.

Tout est fait de molécules.

Passive voice 'is made of'.

These molecules are like LEGOs.

Ces molécules sont comme des LEGO.

Comparison using 'like'.

Look at the water molecules!

Regardez les molécules d'eau !

Imperative sentence.

A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms.

Une molécule d'eau possède deux atomes d'hydrogène.

Singular 'molecule' as a unit.

Molecules move faster when they are hot.

Les molécules bougent plus vite quand elles sont chaudes.

Present simple for facts.

The molecules in ice do not move much.

Les molécules dans la glace ne bougent pas beaucoup.

Negative sentence.

Scientists study small molecules.

Les scientifiques étudient les petites molécules.

Adjective 'small' modifying the noun.

Can you see the molecules in this picture?

Peux-tu voir les molécules sur cette image ?

Interrogative sentence.

The smell comes from molecules in the air.

L'odeur provient des molécules dans l'air.

Prepositional phrase 'in the air'.

There are billions of molecules in a drop.

Il y a des milliards de molécules dans une goutte.

'There are' with a large number.

Each molecule is different.

Chaque molécule est différente.

'Each' followed by singular 'molecule'.

Molecules are formed when atoms bond together.

Des molécules se forment lorsque des atomes se lient entre eux.

Passive construction 'are formed'.

The DNA molecule contains our genetic code.

La molécule d'ADN contient notre code génétique.

Specific noun phrase.

Gas molecules spread out to fill the room.

Les molécules de gaz se dispersent pour remplir la pièce.

Action verb 'spread out'.

We use a microscope to see large molecules.

Nous utilisons un microscope pour voir les grosses molécules.

Infinitive of purpose 'to see'.

The molecules of salt form a crystal.

Les molécules de sel forment un cristal.

Note: technically salt is ionic, but used here for context.

Oxygen molecules are essential for breathing.

Les molécules d'oxygène sont essentielles pour la respiration.

Adjective 'essential' describing the noun.

How do molecules interact with each other?

Comment les molécules interagissent-elles les unes avec les autres ?

Question with 'how' and 'do'.

The soap breaks down grease molecules.

Le savon décompose les molécules de graisse.

Phrasal verb 'breaks down'.

The molecular structure determines the substance's properties.

La structure moléculaire détermine les propriétés de la substance.

Adjective form 'molecular'.

Pollutant molecules can damage the ozone layer.

Les molécules polluantes peuvent endommager la couche d'ozone.

Modal verb 'can'.

Researchers are synthesizing new organic molecules.

Les chercheurs synthétisent de nouvelles molécules organiques.

Present continuous tense.

The distance between molecules increases as they heat up.

La distance entre les molécules augmente à mesure qu'elles chauffent.

Complex subject 'The distance between molecules'.

Signaling molecules allow cells to communicate.

Les molécules de signalisation permettent aux cellules de communiquer.

Biological terminology.

The filter traps large molecules but lets small ones through.

Le filtre retient les grosses molécules mais laisse passer les petites.

Contrast using 'but'.

Carbon dioxide molecules trap heat in the atmosphere.

Les molécules de dioxyde de carbone emprisonnent la chaleur dans l'atmosphère.

Scientific explanation.

Every molecule in the sample was carefully analyzed.

Chaque molécule de l'échantillon a été soigneusement analysée.

Passive voice with 'every'.

The drug works by binding to specific protein molecules.

Le médicament agit en se liant à des molécules protéiques spécifiques.

Gerund phrase 'by binding'.

Macromolecules like proteins are essential for life.

Les macromolécules comme les protéines sont essentielles à la vie.

Use of 'macromolecules'.

Molecular dynamics simulations help predict chemical reactions.

Les simulations de dynamique moléculaire aident à prédire les réactions chimiques.

Compound noun phrase.

The fragrance is composed of volatile organic molecules.

Le parfum est composé de molécules organiques volatiles.

Technical adjectives 'volatile organic'.

Intermolecular forces hold the molecules together in a liquid.

Les forces intermoléculaires maintiennent les molécules ensemble dans un liquide.

Physics terminology.

The researchers identified a novel molecule with antibiotic properties.

Les chercheurs ont identifié une nouvelle molécule aux propriétés antibiotiques.

Academic vocabulary 'novel'.

The molecular weight of the compound was calculated precisely.

Le poids moléculaire du composé a été calculé avec précision.

Passive voice with adverb.

The arrangement of molecules in a crystal is highly ordered.

L'arrangement des molécules dans un cristal est très ordonné.

Complex noun phrase.

The study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of cellular aging.

L'étude élucide les mécanismes moléculaires du vieillissement cellulaire.

High-level verb 'elucidates'.

Supramolecular chemistry focuses on the assembly of molecules.

La chimie supramoléculaire se concentre sur l'assemblage des molécules.

Advanced scientific field.

The chirality of the molecule determines its biological activity.

La chiralité de la molécule détermine son activité biologique.

Specific chemical property 'chirality'.

Spectroscopy is used to determine the structure of unknown molecules.

La spectroscopie est utilisée pour déterminer la structure de molécules inconnues.

Scientific methodology.

The transition state involves the temporary distortion of molecules.

L'état de transition implique la distorsion temporaire des molécules.

Thermodynamic context.

Molecular orbital theory provides a quantum mechanical description.

La théorie des orbitales moléculaires fournit une description de la mécanique quantique.

Quantum physics context.

The synthesis of complex natural molecules remains a challenge.

La synthèse de molécules naturelles complexes reste un défi.

Abstract noun 'synthesis'.

The intermolecular interactions were modeled using advanced software.

Les interactions intermoléculaires ont été modélisées à l'aide d'un logiciel avancé.

Passive voice with 'modeled'.

Häufige Kollokationen

water molecules

organic molecules

complex molecules

signaling molecules

molecular structure

individual molecules

scent molecules

gas molecules

sugar molecules

DNA molecule

Häufige Phrasen

molecular biology

— The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules.

She is studying molecular biology at university.

molecular weight

— The sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule.

The molecular weight of water is 18.

molecular level

— At the scale of molecules; very detailed.

We need to understand the problem at a molecular level.

molecular formula

— A formula giving the number of atoms of each of the elements present in one molecule.

The molecular formula for glucose is C6H12O6.

molecular gastronomy

— A subdiscipline of food science that seeks to investigate the physical and chemical transformations of ingredients.

The restaurant is famous for its molecular gastronomy.

molecular clock

— A technique that uses the mutation rate of biomolecules to deduce the time in prehistory.

The molecular clock suggests the species diverged 2 million years ago.

molecular sieve

— A material with very small holes that can separate different sized molecules.

Zeolites are used as molecular sieves.

molecular orbital

— A mathematical function describing the location and wave-like behavior of an electron in a molecule.

Electrons occupy molecular orbitals.

molecular geometry

— The three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms that constitute a molecule.

The molecular geometry of water is bent.

molecular beam

— A beam of molecules moving in the same direction, used in physics experiments.

The experiment used a molecular beam of hydrogen.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

molecules vs atoms

Atoms are single units; molecules are groups of atoms.

molecules vs compounds

A compound is a substance; a molecule is the unit of that substance.

molecules vs moles

A mole is a unit of measurement (quantity); a molecule is a physical object.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"with every molecule of one's being"

— To do or feel something with total intensity and absolute commitment.

I love her with every molecule of my being.

literary/emphatic

"not a molecule of truth"

— Absolutely no truth at all; completely false.

There is not a molecule of truth in those rumors.

informal/emphatic

"down to the last molecule"

— Completely; including every tiny detail or part.

The room was cleaned down to the last molecule.

informal

"molecular precision"

— Extremely high precision; perfect accuracy.

The machine parts were fitted with molecular precision.

metaphorical

"the molecules of society"

— The individual people or small groups that make up a larger social structure.

Families are the molecules of society.

sociological metaphor

"molecular change"

— A very small but fundamental change that leads to a larger transformation.

The company underwent a molecular change in its culture.

business metaphor

"shaking the molecules"

— To stir things up or cause a significant disturbance.

His arrival really shook the molecules of the quiet town.

rare/metaphorical

"molecular bond"

— Used metaphorically to describe a very strong connection between people.

The two friends shared a molecular bond.

informal

"molecular memory"

— The idea that something is remembered at a fundamental, physical level.

The trauma seemed to be stored in his molecular memory.

pseudo-scientific/literary

"molecular dance"

— A poetic way to describe the constant motion and interaction of particles.

The scientist described the chemical reaction as a molecular dance.

literary

Leicht verwechselbar

molecules vs atom

Both are microscopic units of matter.

An atom is the smallest unit of an element. A molecule is two or more atoms bonded together.

An oxygen atom (O) vs. an oxygen molecule (O2).

molecules vs compound

Both describe combinations of elements.

A compound is a substance made of different elements. A molecule can be made of the same element.

O2 is a molecule but not a compound. H2O is both.

molecules vs cell

Both are small units in biology.

A cell is a living unit. A molecule is a chemical unit. Cells are made of trillions of molecules.

A skin cell contains many protein molecules.

molecules vs particle

Both mean 'small piece'.

Particle is a general term for any small bit. Molecule is a specific chemical term.

Dust particles vs. nitrogen molecules.

molecules vs ion

Both are microscopic chemical species.

An ion has an electrical charge. A molecule is typically neutral.

A sodium ion (Na+) vs. a water molecule (H2O).

Satzmuster

It is a [adjective] molecule.

It is a small molecule.

[Substance] has many molecules.

Sugar has many molecules.

Molecules are made of [atoms].

Molecules are made of oxygen and hydrogen.

The [adjective] molecules [verb] [adverb].

The gas molecules move rapidly.

By analyzing the [noun], we found [adjective] molecules.

By analyzing the sample, we found complex molecules.

The molecular [noun] is characterized by [noun].

The molecular architecture is characterized by symmetry.

When [process], the molecules [verb].

When water freezes, the molecules slow down.

There are [number] molecules in [container].

There are billions of molecules in this drop.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

molecule

macromolecule

biomolecule

molarity

Verben

molecularize

Adjektive

molecular

intermolecular

intramolecular

supramolecular

Verwandt

atom

compound

bond

element

particle

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in academic and scientific English; less common in casual daily conversation.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'molecule' for a single atom. → Using 'atom'.
An atom is a single unit; a molecule is a group.
Saying 'much molecules'. → Saying 'many molecules'.
Molecules is a countable noun.
Confusing 'molecule' with 'cell'. → Using the correct biological term.
Cells are living; molecules are chemical. Cells contain molecules.
Misplacing the stress on 'molecular'. → Stress the second syllable: mo-LEC-u-lar.
The stress shifts from the first syllable in 'molecule' to the second in 'molecular'.
Calling salt (NaCl) a molecule. → Calling it a formula unit or crystal.
Ionic compounds like salt don't form discrete molecules.

Tipps

Use Models

Build physical models of molecules using ball-and-stick kits to better understand their 3D structure.

Learn Collocations

Don't just learn 'molecule'; learn 'organic molecule' and 'water molecule' to sound more natural.

Stress the First Syllable

Always say MO-le-cule, never mo-LE-cule. Correct stress is key for being understood by native speakers.

Be Precise

In scientific writing, specify the molecule you are talking about rather than just using the general word.

Watch Science Videos

Channels like Kurzgesagt or TED-Ed use the word 'molecules' frequently with great visual aids.

The LEGO Analogy

Always remember: Atoms = Bricks, Molecules = Built Shapes. This simple image prevents confusion.

Countable Noun

Treat 'molecules' like 'apples'. You can have many, few, or a specific number of them.

Global Word

This is a scientific 'loan word' in many languages, so it is a great 'bridge' word for learners.

Identify the Field

When you see 'molecular', check if it's biology, chemistry, or physics to understand the specific meaning.

Scent is Molecular

Remind yourself that every smell you experience is actually molecules entering your nose!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Mole' (the animal) + 'Cool'. A 'Mole' is small and lives underground, and 'Cool' is how scientists feel when they see tiny 'Molecules' through a microscope.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine two balls (atoms) connected by a spring (bond). This pair is a molecule.

Word Web

atom bond chemistry water DNA microscopic compound matter

Herausforderung

Try to name three different molecules you interact with every day (e.g., water, oxygen, sugar) and explain what atoms they are made of.

Wortherkunft

The word 'molecule' comes from the French word 'molécule', which was coined in the late 18th century. It is derived from the Latin word 'moles', meaning 'mass' or 'barrier', combined with the diminutive suffix '-cula'. Therefore, the literal meaning is 'a tiny mass'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A very small particle of matter.

Indo-European (Latin -> French -> English)

Kultureller Kontext

No specific cultural sensitivities, as it is a neutral scientific term.

The term is ubiquitous in US and UK science curricula and is a common feature in popular science media like 'Cosmos' or 'Bill Nye the Science Guy'.

The structure of the DNA molecule by Watson and Crick. The book 'The Molecules of Emotion' by Candace Pert. Molecular Gastronomy at the restaurant 'The Fat Duck'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Chemistry Class

chemical bond
molecular formula
reaction rate
valence electrons

Cooking/Gastronomy

aroma molecules
denaturing proteins
emulsification
molecular structure

Environmental Science

greenhouse gases
ozone depletion
carbon footprint
pollutant molecules

Medicine/Pharmacy

drug interaction
receptor binding
molecular biology
active ingredient

Physics

kinetic energy
molecular motion
absolute zero
gas laws

Gesprächseinstiege

"Did you know that there are more molecules in a glass of water than there are glasses of water in all the oceans?"

"What do you think is the most important molecule for human life besides water?"

"Have you ever tried food made with molecular gastronomy techniques?"

"How would you explain what a molecule is to a five-year-old child?"

"Do you think scientists will ever be able to build complex machines out of single molecules?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe the world as if you could see every single molecule moving around you.

Write about a scientific discovery involving molecules that changed the way we live.

If you could design a new molecule to solve a world problem, what would it do?

Reflect on the idea that you are made of the same molecules that were once part of stars.

Explain the difference between an atom and a molecule in your own words.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

An atom is a single unit of a chemical element, like hydrogen or oxygen. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together. For example, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bond to form one water molecule.

No. A compound must contain at least two different elements. A molecule can contain atoms of only one element, like an oxygen molecule (O2), which is not a compound.

No, molecules are far too small to be seen with a standard light microscope. Scientists use electron microscopes or scanning tunneling microscopes to 'see' them.

There are approximately 1.5 sextillion (1,500,000,000,000,000,000,000) molecules in a single drop of water.

Molecules are held together by chemical bonds, which are forces of attraction between the atoms. The most common type in molecules is the covalent bond.

Molecules are always in motion. Even in solids, they vibrate. They only theoretically stop moving at absolute zero (-273.15°C), but this temperature is impossible to reach perfectly.

Yes, DNA is a very large and complex molecule called a macromolecule. It consists of two long chains of atoms twisted into a double helix.

Molecular weight is the total mass of a molecule, calculated by adding the atomic weights of all the atoms it contains.

The shape of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of its atoms and the electrons that bond them. These shapes are crucial because they determine how the molecule reacts with others.

A polar molecule is one where the electrical charge is not distributed evenly, meaning one side is slightly positive and the other is slightly negative. Water is a famous example of a polar molecule.

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