der  Schrott

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃʁɔt/

🗑️ What does "der Schrott" mean?

Der Schrott (noun, masculine) refers to objects, usually metallic, that have become useless or are waste, often intended for recycling. More generally, it can also refer to *junk*, *rubbish*, worthless, broken, or low-quality things.

• Main Meaning 1: *Scrap metal*, unusable metal parts (e.g., from cars, machines).
• Main Meaning 2 (colloquial): *Junk*, *rubbish*, worthless stuff, nonsense, something very bad or broken.

🚨 Attention: Although often about metal, "Schrott" can also be used for non-metallic broken things.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of "der Schrott" in Detail

"Schrott" is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular, often without an article or with the definite article *"der"* when referring to the bulk material. A plural form (*"die Schrotte"*) is very rare and unusual; people usually talk about *"Schrottteile"* (scrap parts) or paraphrase.

Declension (Singular)

Note: The Dative singular with "-e" and the Genitive singular with "-es" are slightly more elevated or formal.

Example Sentences

1. Das alte Auto ist nur noch Schrott.
   (The old car is just scrap now.)
2. Wir bringen den Schrott zum Recyclinghof.
   (We're taking the scrap metal to the recycling center.)
3. Mit diesem Schrott kann man nichts mehr anfangen.
   (You can't do anything with this junk anymore.)
4. Der Wert des Schrott(e)s schwankt je nach Marktpreis.
   (The value of the scrap fluctuates depending on the market price.)
5. "Was du da erzählst, ist doch totaler Schrott!"
   ("What you're saying is complete rubbish!" - Colloquial for nonsense)

💡 How to Use "Schrott" Correctly

"Schrott" is used in various contexts:

• Recycling & Industry: In connection with scrap metal and its recycling. Example: "Die Firma verarbeitet tonnenweise Stahlschrott." (The company processes tons of steel scrap.)
• Everyday Language (derogatory): For broken, useless, or low-quality items. Example: "Mein alter Drucker ist reif für den Schrott." (My old printer is ready for the scrap heap.)
• Colloquial (figurative): For nonsense, rubbish, or something very bad. Example: "Der Film war absoluter Schrott." (The movie was absolute rubbish.)

Comparison with other words:

• Müll: More general term for *garbage* or *waste*, not necessarily metal or recyclable.
• Abfall: Generic term for anything thrown away (*waste*).
• Ramsch/Plunder: Refers more to worthless, cheap (often new) goods or old household items, not necessarily broken or metal (*junk*, *rummage*).

Usage is often informal to colloquial, except in the technical context of metal recycling.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Schrott"

For the article 'der': Think of things often considered masculine that get old and scrapped: *der* old car becomes *der* Schrott. Or: *Der* man throws away the old junk – that's *Schrott*.

For the meaning: Imagine something breaking with a loud "Shhh-rott!" sound, turning into worthless *Schrott* (scrap/junk).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Caution: Not all *Abfall* (waste) is *Schrott* (e.g., organic waste), and not all *Schrott* is *Müll* (garbage), as it's often recycled.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Mechaniker den Kunden: "Soll ich bei Ihrem Auto den Ölwechsel machen oder gleich alles zum Schrott bringen?"
(The mechanic asks the customer: "Should I do an oil change on your car, or just take the whole thing to the junkyard?")

📜 Poetry Corner

Rostig, alt und ganz verbogen,
liegt Metall, vom Sturm verwogen.
Früher Glanz, nun ist er fort,
es ist nur noch der kalte Schrott.
Doch im Feuer wird er rein,
kann bald wieder nützlich sein.

(Rusty, old, and quite bent,
Lies metal, by the storm sent.
Former shine, now it is gone,
It's just the cold scrap, left alone.
But in fire, it becomes pure,
Can soon be useful, that's for sure.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich war mal Auto, Fahrrad, Topf,
lieg' nun auf einem Haufen Schopf.
Man sammelt mich, bringt mich zum Ort,
wo Neues aus mir wird gemacht sofort.
Ich bin nicht Müll, doch wertlos fast,
bevor man mich zu Neuem presst.

Was bin ich? (What am I?)

(Answer: Der Schrott / Scrap metal/junk)

🤓 Interesting Facts about "Schrott"

• Word Composition: Often found in compound nouns like "Schrottplatz" (*junkyard*, *scrap yard*), "Schrotthändler" (*scrap dealer*), "Schrottpreis" (*scrap price*), "Schrottpresse" (*scrap press*, *baler*).
• Verb: The related verb is "verschrotten" (*to scrap*, e.g., a car).
• Origin: The word "Schrott" originally comes from Middle Low German "schrōt", meaning "cut-off piece", referring to metal cuttings.