At the A1 level, 'Metall' is a basic vocabulary word used to describe what things are made of. You learn it alongside words like 'Holz' (wood) and 'Plastik' (plastic). You should be able to say simple sentences like 'Das ist aus Metall' (That is made of metal). You don't need to know the different types of metals yet, just the general category. It's important to remember that it is 'das Metall'. You might see this word on trash cans or in simple descriptions of everyday objects like keys or spoons. Focus on the pronunciation (Me-TALL) and the preposition 'aus' which indicates material.
At A2, you start to use 'Metall' in more specific contexts, such as describing furniture or household items. You might say 'Ich suche einen Tisch aus Metall' (I am looking for a metal table). You also begin to encounter compound words like 'Metallregal' (metal shelf) or 'Metallkiste' (metal box). You should understand that 'Metall' is a durable material. You might also learn basic properties like 'schwer' (heavy) or 'hart' (hard) to describe metal objects. In a shopping context, you might compare a plastic item with a metal one, noting that the metal one is 'teurer' (more expensive) but 'besser' (better).
At the B1 level, you can discuss 'Metall' in the context of the environment and work. You should be familiar with 'Metallschrott' (metal scrap) and 'Recycling'. You might talk about the 'Metallindustrie' as an important part of the German economy. You start to use more specific terms like 'Eisen' (iron) or 'Aluminium'. You can describe processes simply, such as 'Metall kann man schmelzen' (Metal can be melted). You also encounter the word in news reports about the labor union 'IG Metall'. Your vocabulary expands to include adjectives like 'rostfrei' (stainless/rust-free), which is very common for kitchen tools.
At B2, you use 'Metall' in technical and abstract discussions. You understand the difference between 'Metalle' and 'Legierungen' (alloys). You can read articles about industrial production or material science. You are comfortable with terms like 'Leitfähigkeit' (conductivity) and 'Verarbeitung' (processing). You might discuss the environmental impact of 'Schwermetalle' (heavy metals) in a debate. You also recognize figurative uses, such as 'metallischer Glanz' or 'metallischer Klang'. Your ability to form and understand complex compound nouns like 'Metallverarbeitungsmaschinen' (metal processing machines) is expected at this level.
At C1, 'Metall' is used in highly specialized contexts. You can follow a lecture on 'Metallurgie' (metallurgy) or read a detailed report on the 'Rohstoffmarkt' (raw materials market) for metals. You understand the nuances between different types of 'Stahl' and their applications in engineering. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors. You are aware of the historical importance of metal ages (Bronzezeit, Eisenzeit) in human development. You can discuss the chemical properties of metals, such as 'Oxidation' or 'Duktilität', with precision. Your vocabulary includes rare metals and their specific industrial uses.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'Metall' and its vast network of related terms. You can discuss the socio-economic impact of the metal industry on global trade. You understand the legal and technical specifications for metal usage in aerospace or medical technology. You can appreciate literature where 'Metall' is used as a symbol for the industrial age or human coldness. You can switch effortlessly between scientific, industrial, and colloquial registers. You might even know archaic or highly technical terms for specific metalworking techniques used in 'Kunstschmiede' (artistic blacksmithing).

Metall 30초 만에

  • Metall is a neuter noun (das Metall) referring to conductive, shiny materials like iron or gold.
  • It is a core material in German industry, often used in compound words like Metallbau.
  • Grammatically, it uses the preposition 'aus' to describe composition (aus Metall).
  • It is central to German recycling culture (Metallschrott) and labor history (IG Metall).

The German word Metall (neuter noun, plural: Metalle) refers to a broad class of chemical elements and their alloys characterized by high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and luster. At its core, Metall is a fundamental building block of modern civilization, appearing in everything from the smallest screw to the largest skyscraper. In everyday German, it is used both as a technical term in chemistry and physics and as a general descriptor for materials like iron, steel, copper, and aluminum. When you walk through a German city, you see Metall everywhere: in the U-Bahn tracks, the scaffolding of new buildings, and the intricate gates of historic Altstadt houses. Understanding this word is essential because it forms the basis for hundreds of compound words (Komposita) such as Metallverarbeitung (metal processing) or Metallindustrie (metal industry), which are pillars of the German economy.

Grammatical Gender
Das Metall (Neuter). Always use 'das' in the nominative singular.
Plural Form
Die Metalle. Used when referring to different types of metals like gold, silver, and lead.
Adjective Form
Metallisch (metallic). Used to describe a shine, a sound, or a taste.

"Die Brücke wurde komplett aus Metall gefertigt, um die nötige Stabilität für den Schwerlastverkehr zu gewährleisten."

— Example of industrial usage

In a broader cultural sense, Metall in Germany is synonymous with quality and durability. The 'Mittelstand' (medium-sized enterprises) often specializes in high-precision metalwork. If a German says something is 'aus Metall', they often imply it is 'stabil' (stable) and 'langlebig' (long-lasting). However, it can also imply coldness. A 'metallischer Blick' (a metallic gaze) suggests someone who is unemotional or stern. Scientifically, metals are defined by their atomic structure—specifically the 'Metallbindung' (metallic bond) where electrons move freely, explaining why they conduct heat so well. This physical property is why your 'Löffel' (spoon) gets hot quickly in a soup.

Gold ist ein sehr wertvolles Metall.

Common Alloys
Messing (brass), Bronze (bronze), and Stahl (steel) are all categorized under the umbrella of metal applications.

Das Metall glänzt in der Sonne.

Using the word Metall correctly involves understanding its role as a material noun. In German, material nouns often appear without an article when used in a general sense, but they require the definite article 'das' when referring to a specific piece or the concept as a whole. For example, 'Schrott aus Metall' (scrap made of metal) vs. 'Das Metall dieser Münze ist selten' (The metal of this coin is rare). When describing what something is made of, the preposition 'aus' is your best friend. You will say 'Der Tisch ist aus Metall' (The table is made of metal). This is a standard construction for all materials in German (aus Holz, aus Plastik, aus Glas).

Furthermore, 'Metall' is frequently the first part of a compound noun. If you are talking about the industry, use 'Metallindustrie'. If you are talking about a worker, use 'Metallarbeiter'. If you are talking about a specific recycling bin, it's the 'Metallcontainer'. This 'Noun + Noun' structure is more common than using 'Metall' as an adjective. While 'metallisch' exists, it is usually reserved for describing properties (a metallic sound) rather than composition. You wouldn't usually say 'ein metallischer Tisch'; you would say 'ein Metalltisch'.

"In der Werkstatt riecht es nach verbranntem Metall und Öl."

In professional contexts, particularly in engineering (Ingenieurwesen), you will encounter specific types of metals. Germans distinguish between 'Eisenmetalle' (ferrous metals) and 'Nichteisenmetalle' (non-ferrous metals, often abbreviated as NE-Metalle). If you are working in a technical field, mastering these sub-categories is vital. Additionally, the verb 'metallisieren' refers to the process of coating something with metal. In a figurative sense, 'Metall' can represent hardness. A 'Herz aus Metall' (a heart of metal) is a poetic way to describe someone heartless, though 'Herz aus Stein' (heart of stone) is more common.

You will encounter the word Metall in various settings across German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is at a 'Wertstoffhof' (recycling center). Here, you will see signs for 'Metallschrott' (metal scrap). Germany has a very disciplined recycling culture, and separating 'Metall' from 'Restmüll' (general waste) is a daily task for most citizens. You will also hear it in the news, especially when discussing the 'IG Metall'. This is the largest industrial union in Europe, representing workers in the metal and electrical industries. Their strikes and negotiations often make national headlines, as they set the tone for wage increases across the country.

In a domestic setting, you might hear it when buying furniture or kitchen appliances. A salesperson might say, 'Dieses Modell ist robuster, da das Gehäuse aus Metall ist' (This model is more robust because the housing is made of metal). In schools, during 'Chemieunterricht' (chemistry class), students learn about the 'Periodensystem' (periodic table) and the properties of 'Alkalimetalle' or 'Schwermetalle' (heavy metals). Environmental discussions often focus on 'Schwermetallbelastung' (heavy metal contamination) in soil or water, making it a frequent term in ecological contexts.

"Vorsicht! Das Metall leitet den Strom. Berühren Sie es nicht mit bloßen Händen."

Finally, music fans will recognize the term in 'Heavy Metal'. While the English term is used, Germans often discuss 'Metal-Konzerte' or 'Metal-Bands'. Even in this subculture, the word retains its association with something heavy, loud, and industrial. Whether you are at a construction site (Baustelle), a laboratory, or a rock concert, 'Metall' is a word that resonates through many layers of German life.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is with the gender. Since many materials in English don't have gender, learners often default to 'der' or 'die'. Remember: Das Metall. Another common error is the confusion between 'Metall' and 'Stahl' (steel). While all steel is metal, not all metal is steel. If you are talking about a car's bodywork, 'Blech' (sheet metal) is often the more precise term used by native speakers. Using 'Metall' is grammatically correct but can sound slightly vague or 'textbook-ish' in specific contexts.

Pronunciation is another pitfall. The 'e' in Metall is short, and the 'll' is crisp. The stress is on the second syllable: Me-TALL. Many English speakers tend to stress the first syllable (ME-tall), which sounds incorrect in German. Also, be careful with the plural 'Metalle'. It is pronounced with a clear 'e' at the end (Me-tal-le). Avoid dropping the final 'e', which is a common habit for English speakers.

Lastly, learners often overuse the adjective 'metallisch' when they should use a compound noun. Instead of saying 'die metallische Tür', a native speaker would almost always say 'die Metalltür'. Adjectives in German often describe the quality of an object, while compound nouns describe the essence or material. If a door is made of metal, it is a Metalltür. If a door just looks like metal but is made of plastic, you might describe it as having a 'metallische Oberfläche' (metallic surface).

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding Metall, you should know its 'relatives' and 'rivals'. The most common synonym in a general sense is Werkstoff (material), though this is a much broader term including plastics and wood. In a technical context, you might hear Legierung (alloy), which refers to a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal (like bronze or brass).

  • Eisen (Iron): The most common metal. Often used interchangeably with Metall in casual speech (e.g., 'Eisen biegen').
  • Stahl (Steel): An alloy of iron and carbon. Most 'metal' objects in modern life are actually steel.
  • Blech (Sheet metal): Metal that has been pressed into thin, flat pieces. Used for cars, cans, and roofing.
  • Edelmetall (Precious metal): Refers to gold, silver, platinum—metals that resist corrosion.

On the opposite side, we have Nichtmetalle (non-metals) like oxygen or carbon, and Halbmetalle (metalloids) like silicon. In construction, the main rivals to Metall are Holz (wood), Beton (concrete), and Kunststoff (plastic). Knowing these distinctions helps you describe objects with much higher precision. For example, if you are looking for a 'Metallbohrer' (metal drill bit) vs. a 'Holzbohrer' (wood drill bit), using the right word is a matter of practical necessity!

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Material nouns with 'aus'

Compound noun formation

Neuter noun declension

Pluralization of material nouns

Adjective endings with 'metallisch'

수준별 예문

1

Das ist aus Metall.

That is made of metal.

Use 'aus' for materials.

2

Ist der Schlüssel aus Metall?

Is the key made of metal?

Question form with 'ist'.

3

Mein Auto ist aus Metall.

My car is made of metal.

Possessive pronoun 'mein'.

4

Das Metall ist kalt.

The metal is cold.

Adjective 'kalt' describing the noun.

5

Hier ist viel Metall.

There is a lot of metal here.

'Viel' is used for uncountable nouns.

6

Das Messer ist aus Metall.

The knife is made of metal.

Neuter noun 'das Messer'.

7

Gold ist ein Metall.

Gold is a metal.

Indefinite article 'ein'.

8

Die Dose ist aus Metall.

The can is made of metal.

Feminine noun 'die Dose'.

1

Ich brauche ein Metallregal für die Garage.

I need a metal shelf for the garage.

Compound noun: Metall + Regal.

2

Dieses Metall glänzt sehr schön.

This metal shines very beautifully.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieses'.

3

Metalle leiten Wärme sehr gut.

Metals conduct heat very well.

Plural form 'Metalle'.

4

Ist das echtes Metall oder Plastik?

Is that real metal or plastic?

Comparison of materials.

5

Die Gartenstühle sind aus Metall.

The garden chairs are made of metal.

Plural subject 'die Gartenstühle'.

6

Er arbeitet mit Metall.

He works with metal.

Preposition 'mit' + Dative.

7

Das Metall ist sehr schwer.

The metal is very heavy.

Adverb 'sehr' + adjective.

8

Wir sammeln Metall für das Recycling.

We collect metal for recycling.

Verb 'sammeln'.

1

Die Metallindustrie ist wichtig für Deutschland.

The metal industry is important for Germany.

Compound noun 'Metallindustrie'.

2

Das Metall muss vor Rost geschützt werden.

The metal must be protected from rust.

Passive voice 'geschützt werden'.

3

Welches Metall wird für diese Münzen verwendet?

Which metal is used for these coins?

Interrogative 'welches'.

4

Er ist Mitglied bei der IG Metall.

He is a member of the IG Metall union.

Proper noun 'IG Metall'.

5

Das Gehäuse besteht aus hochwertigem Metall.

The housing consists of high-quality metal.

Verb 'bestehen aus' + Dative.

6

Metalle dehnen sich bei Hitze aus.

Metals expand when heated.

Reflexive verb 'sich ausdehnen'.

7

Die Brücke ist eine Konstruktion aus Metall.

The bridge is a metal construction.

Noun 'Konstruktion'.

8

Altmetall kann man beim Schrotthändler verkaufen.

Scrap metal can be sold at the scrap dealer.

Compound noun 'Altmetall'.

1

Die Leitfähigkeit von Metallen ist eine physikalische Eigenschaft.

The conductivity of metals is a physical property.

Genitive plural 'von Metallen'.

2

Schwermetalle können die Umwelt belasten.

Heavy metals can pollute the environment.

Compound noun 'Schwermetalle'.

3

Die Metallverarbeitung erfordert große Präzision.

Metal processing requires great precision.

Abstract noun 'Präzision'.

4

Das Metall wurde durch Schmieden geformt.

The metal was shaped by forging.

Gerund 'Schmieden' as a noun.

5

Es gibt verschiedene Arten von Nichteisenmetallen.

There are different types of non-ferrous metals.

Technical term 'Nichteisenmetalle'.

6

Die Oberfläche des Metalls ist oxidiert.

The surface of the metal is oxidized.

Genitive singular 'des Metalls'.

7

Metallische Werkstoffe sind in der Luftfahrt unverzichtbar.

Metallic materials are indispensable in aviation.

Adjective 'metallisch'.

8

Die Legierung besteht aus zwei verschiedenen Metallen.

The alloy consists of two different metals.

Noun 'Legierung'.

1

Die Duktilität ist ein entscheidendes Merkmal vieler Metalle.

Ductility is a crucial characteristic of many metals.

Scientific term 'Duktilität'.

2

Die Korrosionsbeständigkeit dieses Metalls ist bemerkenswert.

The corrosion resistance of this metal is remarkable.

Complex compound noun.

3

Alkalimetalle reagieren heftig mit Wasser.

Alkali metals react violently with water.

Chemical classification.

4

Die Metallurgie befasst sich mit der Gewinnung von Erzen.

Metallurgy deals with the extraction of ores.

Specialized field 'Metallurgie'.

5

Das Metallgefüge wurde unter dem Mikroskop untersucht.

The metal structure was examined under the microscope.

Technical term 'Gefüge'.

6

Die Preisschwankungen bei Industriemetallen beeinflussen den Markt.

Price fluctuations in industrial metals affect the market.

Economic context.

7

Man nutzt die thermische Ausdehnung des Metalls in Thermometern.

The thermal expansion of metal is used in thermometers.

Scientific application.

8

Die Veredelung von Metallen steigert deren Marktwert.

The refinement of metals increases their market value.

Process noun 'Veredelung'.

1

Die kristalline Gitterstruktur definiert die Härte des Metalls.

The crystalline lattice structure defines the hardness of the metal.

Advanced physics terminology.

2

In der Quantenmechanik wird das Verhalten von Elektronen in Metallen modelliert.

In quantum mechanics, the behavior of electrons in metals is modeled.

Highly academic context.

3

Die ökologische Bilanz der Metallgewinnung ist oft problematisch.

The ecological balance of metal extraction is often problematic.

Complex socio-environmental term.

4

Seltene Erden sind Metalle, die für die Hightech-Industrie essentiell sind.

Rare earths are metals essential for the high-tech industry.

Geopolitical/Technical term.

5

Die metallurgische Transformation während des Abkühlens ist komplex.

The metallurgical transformation during cooling is complex.

Process description.

6

Die Legierungsbildung erfolgt durch Diffusion auf atomarer Ebene.

Alloy formation occurs through diffusion at the atomic level.

Scientific precision.

7

Metalle fungieren in vielen Enzymen als lebensnotwendige Cofaktoren.

Metals function as vital cofactors in many enzymes.

Biochemical context.

8

Die Rezyklierbarkeit von Metallen ist ein Pfeiler der Kreislaufwirtschaft.

The recyclability of metals is a pillar of the circular economy.

Policy/Economic terminology.

자주 쓰는 조합

edles Metall
flüssiges Metall
rostfreies Metall
Metall verarbeiten
Metall gießen
aus Metall bestehen
Metall recyceln
glänzendes Metall
hartes Metall
leichtes Metall

자주 혼동되는 단어

Metall vs Medaillen

Metall vs Stahl

Metall vs Blech

혼동하기 쉬운

Metall vs

Metall vs

Metall vs

Metall vs

Metall vs

문장 패턴

사용법

everyday

Often used for any hard, shiny, man-made material.

technical

In chemistry, it refers to elements that lose electrons.

자주 하는 실수
  • Metall is neuter, not masculine.

  • Use 'aus' for materials, not 'von'.

  • Metalle is plural; use Metall for the material in general.

  • Stress the second syllable.

  • German spelling requires two 'l's.

Gender Check

Always remember 'Das Metall'. Neuter gender is common for materials in German.

Compounds

Combine 'Metall' with other nouns to sound more native (e.g., Metallzaun, Metallbox).

Stress

The stress is on the 'TALL'. Practice saying it like a drum beat.

Recycling

In Germany, metal goes into the 'Gelbe Tonne' or a special container.

Properties

Metals conduct 'Strom' (electricity) and 'Wärme' (heat).

Prepositions

Always use 'aus' when saying what something is made of.

Spelling

Don't forget the double 'll' at the end of Metall.

Context

If you hear 'IG Metall', the topic is likely politics or labor rights.

Comparisons

Use 'härter als' (harder than) when comparing metal to other materials.

Visual

Visualize a shiny silver bar whenever you say the word.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a 'Metal' band playing in a 'Tall' building. Me-TALL.

어원

From Latin 'metallum' (mine, metal), which comes from Greek 'metallon'.

문화적 맥락

The IG Metall union defines the working conditions for millions.

Pfandsystem and Wertstoffhöfe are central to the German 'Grüne' lifestyle.

Metalworking is seen as a high-skill, prestigious trade in Germany.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Ist dein Handy aus Metall oder Plastik?"

"Welches Metall ist am teuersten?"

"Magst du Heavy Metal Musik?"

"Warum ist Metall so wichtig für die Industrie?"

"Hast du schon mal Metall recycelt?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe drei Dinge in deinem Zimmer, die aus Metall sind.

Warum ist Metall ein besserer Werkstoff als Plastik?

Was würde passieren, wenn es kein Metall mehr gäbe?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Nein, Quecksilber ist ein Metall, aber es ist bei Zimmertemperatur flüssig. Die meisten Metalle sind jedoch fest und hart.

Metall ist der Oberbegriff für viele Elemente. Stahl ist eine spezielle Mischung (Legierung) aus Eisen und Kohlenstoff.

Man sagt 'das Metall'. Es ist fast das gleiche Wort wie im Englischen, aber mit zwei 'l'.

Ja, Gold ist ein sogenanntes Edelmetall, weil es nicht rostet und sehr wertvoll ist.

Das ist die größte Gewerkschaft in Deutschland für Arbeiter in der Metall- und Elektroindustrie.

Man betont die zweite Silbe: me-TALL. Das 'e' ist kurz.

Ja, Aluminium ist ein Leichtmetall, das oft für Verpackungen oder im Flugzeugbau verwendet wird.

Es bedeutet 'made of metal'. Man benutzt die Präposition 'aus' für Materialien.

Ja, das Adjektiv ist 'metallisch'. Es beschreibt Dinge, die wie Metall aussehen oder klingen.

Altmetall ist gebrauchtes Metall oder Metallschrott, den man recyceln kann.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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