das  Wolfram

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɔlfram/

💡 What exactly is das Wolfram?

Das Wolfram is the German word for the chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74, known in English as Tungsten. In German, the noun is neuter, hence always das Wolfram. It belongs to the transition metals and is famous for its exceptional properties:

• It has the highest melting point of all pure metals (3422 °C / 6192 °F).
• It has the second-highest boiling point (after carbon).
• It possesses a very high density, comparable to gold and platinum.
• It is very hard and brittle in its pure form, but ductile when alloyed.

The German name Wolfram has historical mining origins (see 'Other Information' section).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🔬 Grammar of das Wolfram in Detail

The noun Wolfram is a neuter noun in German (sächlich). It is typically used only in the singular as it refers to an element.

Example Sentences with das Wolfram

• Das Wolfram hat einen extrem hohen Schmelzpunkt. (Tungsten has an extremely high melting point.)
• Die Härte des Wolframs macht es für bestimmte Werkzeuge nützlich. (The hardness of tungsten makes it useful for certain tools.)
• In Glühdrähten wird oft dem Wolfram eine wichtige Rolle zuteil. (Tungsten often plays an important role in filaments. - Lit: To tungsten is often allotted an important role...)
• Man legiert Stahl mit Wolfram, um ihn widerstandsfähiger zu machen. (Steel is alloyed with tungsten to make it more resistant.)

⚙️ Usage and Context

Das Wolfram is primarily mentioned in technical and scientific contexts.

• Glühdrähte (Filaments): For a long time, its most famous application was the filament in traditional incandescent light bulbs, as tungsten withstands high temperatures.
• Legierungen (Alloys): As an additive in steel alloys (e.g., high-speed steel, HSS), it increases hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance.
• Electrodes: Due to its high melting point, it's used for electrodes in TIG welding (WIG-Schweißen).
• Radiation Shielding: Its high density makes it suitable for shielding against X-rays and gamma radiation.
• Jewelry and Tools: Tungsten carbide (Wolframcarbid), a compound, is extremely hard and used for tool bits and scratch-resistant jewelry.

In everyday life, you rarely encounter the word Wolfram unless discussing specific technical products or chemical elements.

🧠 Mnemonics for Wolfram

For the article (das): Imagine a wolf (Wolf-) framing (-ram) a picture of something *neutral* (das is the neuter article). Chemical elements are often neuter in German, and tungsten is *the* ('das') element for extreme heat. Remember: it withstands DAS heat -> das Wolfram.

For the meaning (chemical element/Tungsten): Think of the Wolf – the chemical symbol for Tungsten/Wolfram is W. And because it's so heat-resistant, you need it for Warmth or things that must Withstand heat.

↔️ Synonyms and Related Terms

Similar or Related Terms

• Wolframcarbid: Tungsten carbide, a very hard compound of tungsten and carbon (WC).
• Legierung: Alloy, a mixture of metals, often using tungsten.
• Übergangsmetall: Transition metal, the group of elements to which tungsten belongs.

😄 A Little Chemistry Joke

German:
Fragt ein Chemiker den anderen: „Was ist dein Lieblingselement?“
Antwortet der andere: „Wolfram! Weil es einfach Wunderbar ist!“

English Translation:
One chemist asks another: "What's your favorite element?"
The other replies: "Tungsten (Wolfram)! Because it's simply Wonderful!" (Pun on the chemical symbol W)

📜 Poem about das Wolfram

German:
Das Wolfram, schwer und dicht,
im Periodensystem ein Licht.
Symbol W, welch ein Name,
aus „Wolf“ und „Rahm“, so die Reklame.

Höchster Schmelzpunkt, unerreicht,
macht Glühdrähte strahlend leicht.
In Stahl so hart, in Werkzeug fest,
hält stand bei jedem Härtetest.
Ein Element von großer Kraft,
in Technik und Wissenschaft geschafft.

English Translation:
Das Wolfram, heavy and dense,
In the periodic table, makes sense.
Symbol W, what a name,
From "Wolf" and "Rahm" (soot/cream), it came.

Highest melting point, unsurpassed,
Makes filaments glow, built to last.
In steel so hard, in tools so strong,
Withstands the hardest tests for long.
An element of mighty power,
In tech and science's finest hour.

❓ Riddle: Which Element Am I?

German:
Ich trage den Namen eines Raubtiers und einer Speise,
doch bin ein Metall auf meine Weise.
Mein Schmelzpunkt ist der höchste von allen,
drum ließ ich einst die Glühbirnen erschallen.
Mein Symbol ist ein „W“, ganz klar,
im Deutschen bin ich sächlich, wunderbar.

English Translation:
I bear the name of a predator and a cream/soot,
But I am a metal, following my own route.
My melting point is the highest found,
That's why I made light bulbs resound.
My symbol's a "W", you see,
In German, I'm neuter, wonderfully.

Solution: Das Wolfram (Tungsten)

🧐 Interesting Facts about Wolfram (Tungsten)

• Etymology: The name Wolfram originates from German ore mining in the Middle Ages. The mineral wolframite often occurred together with tin ore and hindered its smelting because it 'devoured' the tin like a wolf eats sheep – hence Wolf-Rahm (Rahm meaning soot, foam, or cream).
• Discovery: Although the mineral was known for a long time, the element tungsten (Wolfram) was first isolated in 1783 by the brothers Fausto and Juan José Elhuyar in Spain.
• Symbol W: The chemical symbol W is derived directly from the German name Wolfram and is internationally recognized, even though the name 'Tungsten' (Swedish for 'heavy stone') is more common in English.
• Density: Tungsten is almost as dense as gold (Tungsten: 19.3 g/cm³, Gold: 19.32 g/cm³). A cube with 10 cm edges weighs over 19 kilograms (about 42.5 lbs)!