der  Schwefel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃveːfəl/

🧪 What exactly is 'der Schwefel'?

Der Schwefel refers to the chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is a nonmetallic element that occurs in pure form as a yellow, brittle solid. Schwefel is essential for all living organisms and is found in many amino acids and vitamins.

In nature, Schwefel is often found in pure form in volcanic regions or as a component of minerals (sulfides, sulfates). It is known for its characteristic odor (often mistakenly described as "rotten eggs"; however, this smell comes from hydrogen sulfide, H₂S).

⚠️ The article is always der, as it is the name of a chemical element. The plural ("die Schwefel") is uncommon and rarely used, typically only in scientific contexts for different sulfur isotopes or allotropes.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of 'der Schwefel' in Detail

The word "Schwefel" is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular because it's a material noun (an uncountable noun).

Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Reiner Schwefel ist gelb.
   (Pure sulfur is yellow.)
2. Der Geruch des Schwefels (genauer: von Schwefelverbindungen) ist oft unangenehm.
   (The smell of sulfur (specifically: of sulfur compounds) is often unpleasant.)
3. Mit dem Schwefel werden Gummireifen vulkanisiert.
   (Rubber tires are vulcanized with sulfur.)
4. Man benötigt Schwefel für die Herstellung von Schwefelsäure.
   (Sulfur is needed for the production of sulfuric acid.)

💡 How is 'der Schwefel' used?

Der Schwefel is used in various contexts:

• Chemistry & Industry: Mainly for the production of sulfuric acid (Schwefelsäure, H₂SO₄), one of the most important industrial chemicals. Also for the vulcanization of rubber, as a component of fertilizers, in fireworks, and for producing pesticides.
• Geology & Nature: Describing occurrences in the Earth's crust, in minerals (e.g., pyrite - "fool's gold", gypsum) and in volcanic gases.
• Biology & Medicine: As an essential element in organic molecules. Sulfur-containing ointments are sometimes used for skin diseases.
• Everyday Language/Historically: In the past, "Schwefel und Pech" (sulfur and brimstone) was a synonym for hell or damnation, due to the smell during volcanic eruptions and its flammability. The term "geschwefelt" often refers to the preservation of dried fruits or wine with sulfur dioxide (Schwefeldioxid, SO₂).

Confusion is rare as "der Schwefel" clearly denotes the chemical element. Sometimes the term is used colloquially for sulfur-containing compounds or the smell of hydrogen sulfide.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Schwefel'

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Vulkan (the volcano) from which der yellow Schwefel flows. Or: Many chemical elements in German are masculine (der Wasserstoff, der Sauerstoff, der Kohlenstoff... and thus der Schwefel).

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine something smelling "sulfurous" (like rotten eggs - although that's H₂S). This distinct characteristic helps remember Schwefel. The 'S' in the word reminds you of the chemical symbol S.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Similar Terms (Potential Confusion!)

• die Schwefelsäure: An important acid containing sulfur (H₂SO₄).
• das Schwefeldioxid: A gas (SO₂) produced when burning sulfur, often used for preservation ("geschwefelt").
• der Schwefelwasserstoff: A foul-smelling gas (H₂S), responsible for the "rotten egg" smell.

😄 A Little Chemistry Joke

German: Fragt ein Chemiker den anderen: "Was ist H₂SO₄?"
Sagt der andere: "Warte, ich hab's auf der Zunge liegen..."
"Dann spuck's schnell aus, das ist Schwefelsäure!"

English: One chemist asks another: "What is H₂SO₄?"
The other says: "Wait, I have it on the tip of my tongue..."
"Then spit it out quickly, that's sulfuric acid!"

(Okay, the joke is about sulfuric acid, but Schwefel is the main component!) 😉

✍️ Poem about Sulfur

German:
Der Schwefel, gelb und rein,
Aus der Vulkantiefe Schein.
Element mit Kraft und Duft,
Bringt Leben in die Luft.
In Säure stark, im Gummi fest,
Ein Stoff, der vieles können lässt.

English Translation:
The Sulfur, yellow and pure,
From the volcano's depth, a lure.
Element with power and scent,
Brings life where it is sent.
Strong in acid, firm in rubber's quest,
A substance that puts much to the test.

❓ Sulfur Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Element, oft gelb und spröde,
Mein Geruch ist bekannt, nicht immer zur Freude.
In Vulkanen zuhaus', in Streichhölzern klein,
Auch in Eiern und Haar'n bin ich zu finden, ganz fein.
Mein Symbol ist ein S, in der Chemie präsent.
Sag, wer bin ich, dieses bekannte Element?

English Translation:
I am an element, often yellow and brittle,
My smell is well-known, though not always delightful, not a little.
At home in volcanoes, in matchsticks small,
Also found in eggs and hair, standing tall.
My symbol's an S, in chemistry present.
Tell me, who am I, this well-known element?

Solution: Der Schwefel (Sulfur)

Fascination Sulfur: More Facts

• Symbol: S
• Atomic Number: 16
• Etymology: The German word "Schwefel" comes from Old High German "swebal", whose origin is uncertain, possibly related to Latin "sulfur".
• Historical Significance: Schwefel was known in antiquity and used for medicinal purposes and disinfection (by burning), among other things.
• Occurrence in the Body: Schwefel is a component of important amino acids like cysteine and methionine, making it essential for proteins.
• "Schwefelhölzchen": An older German term for matches, whose heads contained sulfur.