der  Lack

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/lak/

🎨 What exactly is "der Lack"?

Der Lack primarily refers to a liquid or paste-like substance that dries after application to surfaces, forming a solid, often glossy or protective film. It's known as a coating for wood, metal, plastic, and other materials.

• Meaning 1: Coating material (e.g., Farblack - colored lacquer, Klarlack - clear varnish, Nagellack - nail polish, Autolack - car paint). This Lack serves for protection, beautification, or coloring.
• Meaning 2 (colloquial): In the idiom "der Lack ist ab" (literally: the lacquer is off), it means that something or someone is past their prime, no longer new or attractive, or that the initial appeal has faded. 👴🏻

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the meaning – usually, the technical meaning is intended, but the idiom is also very common.

🧐 Grammar of "der Lack" in Detail

The noun "Lack" is masculine. Here is the declension:

📝 Application Examples

1. Der Lack auf dem Tisch ist schon ganz zerkratzt.
   (The varnish on the table is already quite scratched.)
2. Ich brauche einen neuen Lack für das Gartenhaus.
   (I need new paint/varnish for the garden shed.)
3. Nach 20 Jahren Ehe ist bei ihnen vielleicht ein bisschen der Lack ab.
   (After 20 years of marriage, the shine might have worn off a bit for them.)
4. Sein Enthusiasmus war groß, aber mittlerweile ist der Lack ab.
   (His enthusiasm was great, but now the initial excitement has faded.)

💡 How "der Lack" is used

"Der Lack" is mainly used in the context of surface treatments, whether in crafts, industry, or DIY projects.

• Technical Context: One speaks of Lack when referring to protective layers, paints, or gloss (e.g., Möbellack - furniture varnish, Autolack - car paint, Nagellack - nail polish). Here, the chemical composition or function (protection, appearance) is often important.
• Colloquial Context: The idiom "der Lack ist ab" is very common and describes the loss of newness, attractiveness, or initial enthusiasm. It can refer to objects, but also to people or relationships.

Distinction from "Farbe": While die Farbe (color/paint) often refers to the hue itself or is a more general term for paint, der Lack more frequently emphasizes the protective, film-forming property and the gloss. A Lack has a color, but not every Farbe is a Lack (e.g., watercolor paint).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Lack"

For the article: Think of a strong man (der Mann) who applies der shiny Lack. Or: Der dandy (Lackaffe is a German word for dandy) cares about his shiny Lack.

For the meaning: Lack protects wood from attack - it forms a protective layer. And when something is old, the shine (the Lack) is gone: "Der Lack ist ab" (the shine is off).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch out for Confusion:

Leck (das Leck): A leak, a hole (e.g., in a ship). Sounds similar, but has a completely different meaning and article (das, not der).

😄 A Little Fun with Lack

Fragt der Malerlehrling den Meister: "Meister, soll ich die Fensterrahmen von beiden Seiten lackieren?"
Sagt der Meister: "Nein, nur von außen. Innen regnet es ja nicht!"

Translation:
The apprentice painter asks the master: "Master, should I paint the window frames on both sides?"
The master replies: "No, only from the outside. It doesn't rain inside!"

✒️ Poem about Lack

Der Lack so glatt, der Lack so rein,
gibt altem Holz ganz neuen Schein.
Er schützt vor Regen, Wind und Zeit,
macht Oberflächen schön und breit.Doch manchmal, nach 'ner langen Frist,
man leise seufzt: "Der Lack ist ab!" - wie trist.

Translation:
The varnish so smooth, the varnish so pure,
gives old wood a whole new allure.
It protects from rain, wind, and time,
makes surfaces beautiful and sublime.

But sometimes, after a long while passed,
one sighs softly: "The shine is off!" - how sad.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich hülle Dinge schützend ein,
mal farbig, mal durchsichtig, fein.
Ich glänze oft im Sonnenlicht,
doch bin ich alt, dann halt' ich nicht.
Man sagt von Dingen, alt und schwach,
bei ihnen sei ich längst schon ... ?

Translation:
I wrap things protectively,
sometimes colored, sometimes clear and delicately.
I often shine in sunlight bright,
but when I'm old, I lose my might.
It's said of things, old and weak,
that I am long since ... ?

Solution: der Lack

ℹ️ Trivia and Word Details

Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Lack" is part of many compound words that specify the type or application:

• Nagellack: Nail polish.
• Autolack: Car paint/lacquer.
• Klarlack: Clear varnish/lacquer.
• Farblack: Colored lacquer/paint.
• Lackschuh: Patent leather shoe.

Origin (Herkunft): The word "Lack" likely came into German via Dutch and Italian from the Persian/Arabic word "lakk", which originally referred to a red resin (shellac).