das
Reagenzglas
🧪 What is a Reagenzglas?
A Reagenzglas (noun, neuter) is a small, usually cylindrical glass tube, open at one end and typically rounded and closed at the other. It is mainly used in chemical or biological laboratories to hold, mix, or heat small quantities of substances. In English, it's called a test tube.
The article is always das: das Reagenzglas.
Grammar Spotlight: das Reagenzglas
The word "Reagenzglas" is neuter. Here is its declension:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Reagenzglas |
| Accusative | das | Reagenzglas |
| Dative | dem | Reagenzglas(e) |
| Genitive | des | Reagenzglases |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Reagenzgläser |
| Accusative | die | Reagenzgläser |
| Dative | den | Reagenzgläsern |
| Genitive | der | Reagenzgläser |
Example Sentences
- Der Chemiker füllte die Flüssigkeit vorsichtig in das Reagenzglas. (The chemist carefully poured the liquid into the test tube.)
- Bitte stelle die Reagenzgläser nach Gebrauch in den Ständer zurück. (Please put the test tubes back in the rack after use.)
- Im Labor standen viele verschiedene Reagenzgläser bereit. (Many different test tubes were ready in the lab.)
- Die Reaktion in dem Reagenzglas verlief sehr schnell. (The reaction in the test tube proceeded very quickly.)
In the Lab: Using the Reagenzglas
Das Reagenzglas is a standard tool in the laboratory. Typical uses include:
- Conducting small chemical reactions.
- Temporarily storing small sample quantities.
- Heating small amounts of substances over a Bunsen burner (carefully!).
- Mixing solutions.
- Observing precipitation reactions or color changes.
It's important not to confuse das Reagenzglas with a Becherglas (beaker) or an Erlenmeyerkolben (Erlenmeyer flask), which are intended for larger volumes or different purposes (e.g., titration). Test tubes are typically not suitable for accurate volume measurements.
Memory Aids for Smart Learners 💡
- Article Aid: Think of "das Glas" (the glass). A Reagenzglas is a special type of glass container. Many German compound words ending in "-glas" are neuter: das Trinkglas (drinking glass), das Weinglas (wine glass), das Fernglas (binoculars), and also das Reagenzglas.
- Meaning Aid: "Reagenz" sounds like "reagent" (a substance used in a chemical reaction). It's a glass for reagents to react in. Picture a tiny chemical reaction happening right inside the tube!
Word Connections: Synonyms & Co.
Synonyms
- Probierglas: (Try-out glass) Often used synonymously, emphasizing the aspect of testing or trying something out.
- Eprouvette (French, dated or very technical): An older or more specific term.
Antonyms
In the sense of lab glassware with different functions or sizes:
- Becherglas: (Beaker) Wider, cylindrical, with a spout, for larger quantities.
- Erlenmeyerkolben: (Erlenmeyer flask) Conical shape, narrow neck, good for swirling liquids.
- Messzylinder: (Graduated cylinder) Used for accurately measuring liquid volumes.
Similar Words (Be Careful!)
- Retorte: (Retort) A distillation vessel with a long, downward-curving neck. Looks different and has a different function.
For a Chuckle: A Little Lab Joke 😄
Fragt ein Reagenzglas das andere: "Was machst du heute Abend?"
Antwortet das andere: "Ich glaube, ich gehe heute mal wieder richtig ab - der Chemiker will mich erhitzen!"
Translation:
One test tube asks the other: "What are you doing tonight?"
The other replies: "I think I'm really going to pop off tonight - the chemist wants to heat me up!" (Note: "abgehen" can mean "to go off / pop off / have fun" or literally "to come off/depart", and relates to heating/reaction)
Poetic Chemistry 📜
Im Labor, da steh ich schmal,
das Reagenzglas, erste Wahl.
Für Tropfen klein, für Experiment,
durchsichtig Glas, das jeder kennt.
Mal wird mir heiß, mal wird mir kalt,
was drin geschieht, ist oft geballt.
Ein kleines Röhrchen, doch mit Sinn,
so manches Wissen steckt da drin.
Translation:
In the lab, I stand slender and tall,
The test tube, the first choice for all.
For little drops, for experiments keen,
Transparent glass, a familiar scene.
Sometimes I'm hot, sometimes I'm cold,
What happens inside, stories unfold.
A little tube, but with purpose true,
Much knowledge resides, old and new.
Who am I? A Little Riddle 🤔
Ich bin aus Glas, doch kein Fenster breit.
Ich steh im Labor für Versuche bereit.
Chemiker füllen mich, mal rot, mal blau,
erhitzen mich manchmal, ganz genau.
Mein Ende ist rund, mein Hals ist offen.
Was bin ich wohl? Kannst du es hoffen?
Translation:
I'm made of glass, but not a window pane.
I stand in the lab, for experiments again.
Chemists fill me, sometimes red, sometimes blue,
Sometimes they heat me, it's certainly true.
My end is round, my neck is open wide.
What am I then? Can you decide?
Solution: das Reagenzglas (the test tube)
Interesting Tidbits 🤓
- Word Composition: The word is composed of "Reagenz" (reagent - a substance consumed during or indicating a chemical reaction) and "Glas" (glass - the material).
- Material: Although usually made of glass (often borosilicate glass for heat resistance), plastic test tubes (Reagenzgläser aus Kunststoff) also exist for specific applications.
- Sizes: Test tubes (Reagenzgläser) come in various sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 20 mm in diameter and 50 to 200 mm in length.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Reagenzglas?
The correct article for "Reagenzglas" is always das. It is a neuter noun referring to a small laboratory vessel (a test tube).