das
Nickel
🧪 What exactly is das Nickel?
Das Nickel primarily refers to the chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white, lustrous, and hard transition metal.
There are no other articles for this word in this meaning. It is always das Nickel when referring to the chemical element or the metal composed of it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse it with the English word "nickel" for a 5-cent coin, although these often contain or contained nickel. In German, the coin is usually called "Fünfcentstück" or something else colloquially.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Elements → fast immer neutral.
1. Chemical elements but also fire and water. 2. Caution: 'der -stoff
Materials, metals → mostly neutral.
Raw materials other than stones/minerals ('der Stein').
🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Nickel
Das Nickel is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is generally used only in the singular, as it is an uncountable substance name (element). The plural is uncommon but could theoretically be formed if different types or deposits were meant (though rarely used).
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Nickel |
| Genitive | des | Nickels |
| Dative | dem | Nickel |
| Accusative | das | Nickel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Nickel |
| Genitive | der | Nickel |
| Dative | den | Nickeln |
| Accusative | die | Nickel |
Example Sentences:
- Das Nickel ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil vieler Legierungen. (Nickel is an important component of many alloys.)
- Der Preis des Nickels an der Rohstoffbörse schwankt. (The price of nickel on the commodities exchange fluctuates.)
- Viele Menschen reagieren allergisch auf Nickel. (Many people are allergic to nickel.)
- Man findet das Nickel oft in Meteoriten. (Nickel is often found in meteorites.)
🛠️ How to use das Nickel?
Das Nickel is mainly used in scientific and technical contexts:
- Chemistry & Physics: When discussing the element, its properties, or reactions.
- Material Science & Engineering: In connection with alloys (e.g., Edelstahl (stainless steel), Neusilber (nickel silver)), electroplating (Vernickeln), and batteries.
- Geology & Mining: Referring to ore deposits and extraction.
- Medicine: In the context of allergies (Nickelallergie).
- Numismatics: Historically or chemically referring to coin metals.
In everyday language, the word is less common unless specifically talking about nickel-containing objects or allergies.
🧠 Mnemonics for Nickel
Article Mnemonic: Most chemical elements in German are neuter (das). Think: Das Element, das Metall, das Nickel. Just like das Gold (gold), das Silber (silver), das Eisen (iron).
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine shiny nickel spectacles (Brille). Or think of the English word 'nickel' (coin) - the German word refers to the metal itself, which is often in coins.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Chemical: Ni (element symbol)
- Colloquially or depending on context, there are no direct synonyms for the element itself. One might speak of "Nickelmetall" (nickel metal) or "reines Nickel" (pure nickel).
Antonyms:
- As an element, das Nickel has no direct antonyms. It could be contrasted with other metals (e.g., Kupfer - copper, Eisen - iron) or non-metals (e.g., Schwefel - sulfur, Sauerstoff - oxygen).
Similar but potentially misleading words:
- Pickel (der): pimple (sounds vaguely similar).
- Nickerchen (das): nap (contains "Nick").
😄 A Little Joke
Warum ist Nickel so gut im Versteckspiel? Weil es sich oft in Legierungen tarnt!
(Why is nickel so good at hide-and-seek? Because it often disguises itself in alloys!)
✒️ Poem about Nickel
Das Nickel, silbern, fest und rein,
Im Periodensystem fein.
In Münzen, Stahl, als Schutz so blank,
Hilft Technik oft, Gott sei Dank!
Doch manche Haut mag's gar nicht sehr,
Allergisch wird sie, rot und schwer.
Ein Element, bekannt, potent,
Das man im Labor erkennt.
--- English Translation ---
The Nickel, silver, firm, and pure,
In the periodic table, demure.
In coins, steel, as protection bright,
Often helps technology, thank God's might!
But some skin dislikes it very much,
Becomes allergic, red, and such.
An element, known, potent,
Recognized in the lab, evident.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Metall, glänzend und weiß,
bin oft in Münzen, wie jeder weiß.
Mein Zeichen ist Ni, das ist bekannt,
für Stahllegierungen relevant.
Manche Menschen vertragen mich nicht,
auf ihrer Haut zeig' ich mein Gesicht.
Wer bin ich?
Lösung: Das Nickel
--- English Translation ---
I am a metal, shiny and white,
Often in coins, known near and wide.
My symbol is Ni, that is well-known,
Relevant for steel alloys widely sown.
Some people cannot tolerate me,
On their skin, my presence you'll see.
What am I?
Solution: Nickel (das Nickel)
💡 Trivia
- Discovery: Nickel was discovered in 1751 by Axel Frederic Cronstedt.
- Name Origin: The name derives from the German term "Kupfernickel", an ore that miners mistakenly thought was copper ore and attributed to evil spirits (Nickeln or goblins) because they couldn't extract copper from it.
- Usage: Over 60% of global nickel production is used to make stainless steel (rostfreier Edelstahl).
- Magnetism: Nickel is one of the few elements that are ferromagnetic at room temperature.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Nickel?
For the chemical element and metal, the correct article is always das: das Nickel.