Metall
Metall 30秒了解
- 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."
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?
难度评级
需要掌握的语法
Material nouns with 'aus'
Compound noun formation
Neuter noun declension
Pluralization of material nouns
Adjective endings with 'metallisch'
按水平分级的例句
Das ist aus Metall.
That is made of metal.
Use 'aus' for materials.
Ist der Schlüssel aus Metall?
Is the key made of metal?
Question form with 'ist'.
Mein Auto ist aus Metall.
My car is made of metal.
Possessive pronoun 'mein'.
Das Metall ist kalt.
The metal is cold.
Adjective 'kalt' describing the noun.
Hier ist viel Metall.
There is a lot of metal here.
'Viel' is used for uncountable nouns.
Das Messer ist aus Metall.
The knife is made of metal.
Neuter noun 'das Messer'.
Gold ist ein Metall.
Gold is a metal.
Indefinite article 'ein'.
Die Dose ist aus Metall.
The can is made of metal.
Feminine noun 'die Dose'.
Ich brauche ein Metallregal für die Garage.
I need a metal shelf for the garage.
Compound noun: Metall + Regal.
Dieses Metall glänzt sehr schön.
This metal shines very beautifully.
Demonstrative pronoun 'dieses'.
Metalle leiten Wärme sehr gut.
Metals conduct heat very well.
Plural form 'Metalle'.
Ist das echtes Metall oder Plastik?
Is that real metal or plastic?
Comparison of materials.
Die Gartenstühle sind aus Metall.
The garden chairs are made of metal.
Plural subject 'die Gartenstühle'.
Er arbeitet mit Metall.
He works with metal.
Preposition 'mit' + Dative.
Das Metall ist sehr schwer.
The metal is very heavy.
Adverb 'sehr' + adjective.
Wir sammeln Metall für das Recycling.
We collect metal for recycling.
Verb 'sammeln'.
Die Metallindustrie ist wichtig für Deutschland.
The metal industry is important for Germany.
Compound noun 'Metallindustrie'.
Das Metall muss vor Rost geschützt werden.
The metal must be protected from rust.
Passive voice 'geschützt werden'.
Welches Metall wird für diese Münzen verwendet?
Which metal is used for these coins?
Interrogative 'welches'.
Er ist Mitglied bei der IG Metall.
He is a member of the IG Metall union.
Proper noun 'IG Metall'.
Das Gehäuse besteht aus hochwertigem Metall.
The housing consists of high-quality metal.
Verb 'bestehen aus' + Dative.
Metalle dehnen sich bei Hitze aus.
Metals expand when heated.
Reflexive verb 'sich ausdehnen'.
Die Brücke ist eine Konstruktion aus Metall.
The bridge is a metal construction.
Noun 'Konstruktion'.
Altmetall kann man beim Schrotthändler verkaufen.
Scrap metal can be sold at the scrap dealer.
Compound noun 'Altmetall'.
Die Leitfähigkeit von Metallen ist eine physikalische Eigenschaft.
The conductivity of metals is a physical property.
Genitive plural 'von Metallen'.
Schwermetalle können die Umwelt belasten.
Heavy metals can pollute the environment.
Compound noun 'Schwermetalle'.
Die Metallverarbeitung erfordert große Präzision.
Metal processing requires great precision.
Abstract noun 'Präzision'.
Das Metall wurde durch Schmieden geformt.
The metal was shaped by forging.
Gerund 'Schmieden' as a noun.
Es gibt verschiedene Arten von Nichteisenmetallen.
There are different types of non-ferrous metals.
Technical term 'Nichteisenmetalle'.
Die Oberfläche des Metalls ist oxidiert.
The surface of the metal is oxidized.
Genitive singular 'des Metalls'.
Metallische Werkstoffe sind in der Luftfahrt unverzichtbar.
Metallic materials are indispensable in aviation.
Adjective 'metallisch'.
Die Legierung besteht aus zwei verschiedenen Metallen.
The alloy consists of two different metals.
Noun 'Legierung'.
Die Duktilität ist ein entscheidendes Merkmal vieler Metalle.
Ductility is a crucial characteristic of many metals.
Scientific term 'Duktilität'.
Die Korrosionsbeständigkeit dieses Metalls ist bemerkenswert.
The corrosion resistance of this metal is remarkable.
Complex compound noun.
Alkalimetalle reagieren heftig mit Wasser.
Alkali metals react violently with water.
Chemical classification.
Die Metallurgie befasst sich mit der Gewinnung von Erzen.
Metallurgy deals with the extraction of ores.
Specialized field 'Metallurgie'.
Das Metallgefüge wurde unter dem Mikroskop untersucht.
The metal structure was examined under the microscope.
Technical term 'Gefüge'.
Die Preisschwankungen bei Industriemetallen beeinflussen den Markt.
Price fluctuations in industrial metals affect the market.
Economic context.
Man nutzt die thermische Ausdehnung des Metalls in Thermometern.
The thermal expansion of metal is used in thermometers.
Scientific application.
Die Veredelung von Metallen steigert deren Marktwert.
The refinement of metals increases their market value.
Process noun 'Veredelung'.
Die kristalline Gitterstruktur definiert die Härte des Metalls.
The crystalline lattice structure defines the hardness of the metal.
Advanced physics terminology.
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.
Die ökologische Bilanz der Metallgewinnung ist oft problematisch.
The ecological balance of metal extraction is often problematic.
Complex socio-environmental term.
Seltene Erden sind Metalle, die für die Hightech-Industrie essentiell sind.
Rare earths are metals essential for the high-tech industry.
Geopolitical/Technical term.
Die metallurgische Transformation während des Abkühlens ist komplex.
The metallurgical transformation during cooling is complex.
Process description.
Die Legierungsbildung erfolgt durch Diffusion auf atomarer Ebene.
Alloy formation occurs through diffusion at the atomic level.
Scientific precision.
Metalle fungieren in vielen Enzymen als lebensnotwendige Cofaktoren.
Metals function as vital cofactors in many enzymes.
Biochemical context.
Die Rezyklierbarkeit von Metallen ist ein Pfeiler der Kreislaufwirtschaft.
The recyclability of metals is a pillar of the circular economy.
Policy/Economic terminology.
常见搭配
常用短语
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
容易混淆
句型
如何使用
Often used for any hard, shiny, man-made material.
In chemistry, it refers to elements that lose electrons.
-
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.
小贴士
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine a 'Metal' band playing in a 'Tall' building. Me-TALL.
词源
From Latin 'metallum' (mine, metal), which comes from Greek 'metallon'.
文化背景
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.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"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?"
日记主题
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?
常见问题
10 个问题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.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Metall is a fundamental German noun representing durability, industrial strength, and physical conductivity. Mastering its use in compound nouns and understanding its neuter gender is key for A1-B1 learners, while higher levels focus on its technical and economic nuances.
- 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).
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.
例句
Das Tor ist aus Metall und sehr stabil.
相关内容
更多general词汇
ab
A1从……起。 '从明天起我开始运动。' (Ab morgen treibe ich Sport.)
abends
A2在晚上 / 每天晚上。 '我晚上看书。'
aber
A1“aber”的意思是“但是”。它用于连接两个相反或对比的想法。
abgelegen
B1remote
ablehnen
A2拒绝提议或邀请。他拒绝了我的帮助。
abschließen
A2用钥匙锁门。完成学业或签署合同(如保险)。
abseits
A2abseits表示某物位于主要区域或常规路径之外。
acht
A1数字八 (8)。
Achte
A1第八(序数)。
achten
A2注意(与auf连用)或尊重(某人/某事)。