das  Zink

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tsɪŋk/

🧪 What Exactly is Zink?

Das Zink (chemical symbol: Zn) is a chemical element. It belongs to the transition metals and is a bluish-white, brittle metal. It's an essential trace element (essenzielles Spurenelement) for almost all living beings.

In German, the word Zink has only one article: das (neuter). There are no other meanings associated with different articles.

• Meaning 1: The chemical element zinc (Zn).

⚠️ It's important to know that Zink, as a substance name (Stoffname), is often used without an article, unless a specific quantity or type is meant (e.g., das Zink in dieser Legierung - the zinc in this alloy).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Zink' in Detail

The noun Zink is neuter (sächlich). It is mostly used without a plural form because it refers to a substance name (Stoffname). The genitive singular is des Zinks or, less commonly, des Zinkes.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Zink ist wichtig für das Immunsystem. (Zinc is important for the immune system. - Nominative, no article)
2. Der Preis des Zinks ist gestiegen. (The price of zinc has risen. - Genitive)
3. Diese Legierung wurde mit Zink versetzt. (This alloy was mixed with zinc. - Dative, no article)
4. Wir benötigen reines Zink für das Experiment. (We need pure zinc for the experiment. - Accusative, no article)

⚙️ Application and Context

Das Zink is used in various contexts:

• Chemistry & Physics: As the name for the chemical element (Zn). Example: Die Ordnungszahl von Zink ist 30. (The atomic number of zinc is 30.)
• Industry & Technology: For galvanizing steel (Verzinkung von Stahl) (corrosion protection), in alloys (e.g., brass - Messing), in batteries. Example: Das Blech ist mit Zink überzogen. (The sheet metal is coated with zinc.)
• Medicine & Biology: As an essential trace element (essenzielles Spurenelement) for the human body, in ointments and dietary supplements. Example: Ein Mangel an Zink kann Haarausfall verursachen. (A zinc deficiency can cause hair loss.)
• Everyday Language: Rather rare, mostly referring to materials (e.g., Zinkdachrinne - zinc gutter, Zinkeimer - zinc bucket).

Generally, 'Zink' is treated as a substance name and often appears without an article.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Zink'

• Remembering the Article: Think of the neutral chemical symbol 'Zn'. The 'n' in 'Zn' and 'neutral' might help you remember das Zink. Or: The German word for element is das Element, ending in 't', like das.
• Remembering the Meaning: Imagine something heavy like metal sinking (sounds similar to Zink) in water. Das Metall Zink (the metal zinc) sinks in water.

"Das Zink, so shiny and bright, helps your body put up a good fight."

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

• The main direct synonym is the chemical symbol: Zn (scientific context).
• Circumlocutions: bläulich-weißes Metall (bluish-white metal), Übergangsmetall (transition metal).

Antonyms:

Since zinc is a specific element, there are no direct antonyms. One could contrast it with other metals or non-metals:

• Other metals: Eisen (iron), Kupfer (copper), Aluminium (aluminum), etc.
• Non-metals: Schwefel (sulfur), Kohlenstoff (carbon), etc.

⚠️ Similar, but different terms:

• Zinn (das): Another metal (Sn - tin), often confused, but tin is softer and more silvery.
• Zinke (die): A prong or tine, e.g., on a fork (Gabel) or rake (Rechen). Completely different meaning!

😄 A Little Chemistry Joke

Fragt ein Chemiker den anderen: "Hast du Natriumhypobromit?"
Antwortet der andere: "NaBrO!"

--- English Translation ---

One chemist asks another: "Do you have sodium hypobromite?"
The other replies: "NaBrO!"

(Okay, not directly about zinc, but stays within the chemical theme!)

✒️ A Poem About Zinc

Das Zink, ein Metall, bescheiden,
Schützt Stahl vor Rost und Leiden.
Im Körper, klein doch wichtig sehr,
Gibt Kraft und stärkt die Abwehr.

Von Dachrinnen bis zur Batterie,
Nützlich in der Industrie.
Bläulich-weiß, sein stiller Glanz,
Ein Element mit Eleganz.

--- English Translation ---

Das Zink, a metal, modest quite,
Protects steel from rust and blight.
In the body, small but key,
Gives strength and helps immunity.

From gutters to a battery's core,
Useful in industry's lore.
Bluish-white, its quiet gleam,
An element of high esteem.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Metall, doch nicht aus Gold,
Mein Schutz dem Eisen sehr hold.
Im Körper bin ich winzig klein,
Doch ohne mich geht's nicht allein.
Mein Symbol ist Zn, ganz klar.

Wer bin ich wohl? Ratet mal!

--- English Translation ---

I am a metal, but not of gold,
My protection for iron is bold.
In the body, I am tiny, small,
But without me, you might fall.
My symbol is Zn, it's clear.

Who am I? Tell me, my dear!

Solution: Das Zink (Zinc)

💡 More Tidbits

• Atomic Number (Ordnungszahl): 30
• Symbol: Zn
• Discovery: Although used in alloys like brass (Messing) in antiquity, zinc was recognized as a distinct metal only in the 17th/18th century.
• Important Use (Wichtige Verwendung): Galvanizing (Verzinken) to protect steel from corrosion is one of its main applications.
• Biological Role (Biologische Rolle): Zinc is a component of many enzymes and plays a role in cell division (Zellteilung), wound healing (Wundheilung), and immune function (Immunfunktion).