der  Stickstoff

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɪkn̩ˌʃtɔf/

🧪 What exactly is *der Stickstoff*?

Der Stickstoff is the German word for Nitrogen, a chemical element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. In the periodic table, it belongs to the 5th main group (pnictogens). Under normal conditions, it is a colorless and odorless gas that forms the main component of the Earth's atmosphere (about 78%).

Stickstoff is essential for living organisms as it is a crucial component of proteins and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). In industry, it has various applications, for example, in the production of Ammoniak (ammonia, for fertilizers), as a protective gas (*Schutzgas*), or in liquid form as a refrigerant (*Kältemittel*).

The German name *Stickstoff* derives from *ersticken* (to suffocate), because pure nitrogen does not support respiration and would lead to suffocation (unlike air, which contains *Sauerstoff*, oxygen). It is a nonmetallic element.

Grammar Check: *Der Stickstoff* under the Microscope

Der Stickstoff is a masculine noun (*maskulines Substantiv*). It is mostly used as a substance name and is therefore generally uncountable (*nicht zählbar*, singular-only noun or *Singularetantum*). A plural form is very rare and only used when referring to different types or occurrences of nitrogen (e.g., in scientific contexts discussing nitrogen isotopes or compounds).

Declension Singular

Note: In the Genitive and Dative singular, both forms (-s/-es and -/-e respectively) are often possible, with the shorter form being more common.

Declension Plural - Rare!

Since *Stickstoff* is usually uncountable, the plural form is rarely used. If needed, it would be *die Stickstoffe*.

Example Sentences (*Beispielsätze*)

• Die Luft besteht hauptsächlich aus Stickstoff und Sauerstoff. (The air consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen.)
• Pflanzen benötigen Stickstoff zum Wachsen. (Plants need nitrogen to grow.)
• Flüssiger Stickstoff wird zum Kühlen verwendet. (Liquid nitrogen is used for cooling.)
• Der Mangel des Stickstoffs im Boden hemmt das Pflanzenwachstum. (The lack of nitrogen in the soil inhibits plant growth.)

Where and How is *Stickstoff* Used?

Der Stickstoff is a term used in various contexts:

• Chemistry & Physics: As the chemical element (N), its compounds (*Verbindungen* like *Nitrate*, *Ammoniak*), its properties (gas, liquid at -196°C).
• Biology & Medicine: As an essential component of amino acids, proteins, DNA. The nitrogen cycle (*Stickstoffkreislauf*) is an important ecological topic. Liquid nitrogen (*flüssiger Stickstoff*) is used in cryotherapy.
• Industry & Technology: For the production of fertilizers (*Düngemittel*) via the Haber-Bosch process, as a protective gas (*Schutzgas*) in welding or food packaging, as a refrigerant (*Kältemittel*), for inflating aircraft tires.
• Environment: As the main component of the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides (*Stickoxide*, a compound with oxygen) contribute to air pollution and acid rain.

The term is almost exclusively used in the singular. When talking about different nitrogen compounds, specific names are preferred (e.g., *die Nitrate*, *die Oxide*).

Mnemonics for *Stickstoff*

Remembering the article: Think of *"der Stoff"* (the substance, the material). *Stickstoff* is *a* specific substance. *Stoff* is masculine, so it's *der Stoff*. Therefore, it's also der Stickstoff.

Remembering the meaning: The name itself helps! *Stickstoff* comes from *ersticken* (to suffocate). It's the main component of air, but without oxygen, you would suffocate in it. So: The 'stuff' (*Stoff*) you'd suffocate (*ersticken*) in (if it were pure) -> Stickstoff (Nitrogen).

Similar Terms and Opposites

Synonyms

• Nitrogen (Technical term, international)
• N (Chemical symbol)
• (There are no direct colloquial synonyms)

Antonyms/Counterparts (in a functional sense)

• Sauerstoff (der): Oxygen. While *Stickstoff* makes up most of the air, *Sauerstoff* is necessary for the respiration of most living beings. In this sense, they are functional counterparts in breathable air.

Related Terms (Be careful not to confuse!)

• Stickoxid (das/die): Nitrogen oxide(s). Compounds of nitrogen and oxygen (e.g., NO, NO₂), often mentioned in the context of air pollution.
• Ammoniak (das): Ammonia. A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH₃), important for fertilizers.
• Nitrat (das): Nitrate. Salts of nitric acid, nitrogen-containing compounds, important as plant nutrients.

A Little Chemistry Joke 😄

Ein Sauerstoffatom trifft ein Stickstoffatom. Sagt das Sauerstoffatom: "Ich fühle mich heute so negativ geladen!" Antwortet das Stickstoffatom: "Kein Wunder, du hast ja auch wieder zwei Elektronen geklaut! Ich bleibe lieber neutral und reagiere nicht so schnell."

Translation: An oxygen atom meets a nitrogen atom. The oxygen atom says: "I feel so negatively charged today!" The nitrogen atom replies: "No wonder, you've stolen two electrons again! I prefer to stay neutral and not react so quickly."

*Stickstoff* in Verse

Der Stickstoff, unsichtbar, klar,
Macht Luft zum Atmen wunderbar.
Vier Fünftel füllt er, leicht und rein,
Doch Leben schenkt er nicht allein.

Im Boden, in der Pflanze Kraft,
Als Dünger er das Wachstum schafft.
Im Protein, im Erbgut drin,
Gibt allem Leben einen Sinn.

Als Kälte eisig, tief und schroff,
So dient er auch, der gute Stoff.
Ein Element, fundamental,
Der Stickstoff, überall.

Translation:
Nitrogen, invisible and clear,
Makes air for breathing wonderfully dear.
Four-fifths it fills, so light and pure,
But life alone it can't ensure.

In soil, in plant's own mighty power,
As fertilizer, makes growth flower.
In protein, in the genetic code,
Gives meaning onto life bestowed.

As coldness, icy, deep, and stark,
It serves as well, this helpful mark.
An element, fundamental,
Nitrogen, found throughout all.

Who or What am I? A *Stickstoff* Riddle

Ich bin der größte Teil der Luft,
doch riechen kannst du meinen Duft nicht.
Ich lasse Pflanzen kräftig sprießen,
doch trinken kannst du mich nicht genießen.
Flüssig bin ich eisig kalt,
in Eiweiß findest du mich bald.

Wer bin ich?
... Der Stickstoff

Translation:
I am the largest part of air,
but you can't smell my scent, I swear.
I make the plants grow strong and high,
but you can't drink me, don't even try.
Liquid, I am icy cold,
In protein, my story's told.

Who am I?
... Nitrogen (*Der Stickstoff*)

Trivia and Origin

• Word Origin (*Wortherkunft*): The German name *Stickstoff* was coined in the late 18th century by Antoine Lavoisier (or rather, his German translators). It refers to the observation that animals suffocate (*ersticken*) in a pure nitrogen atmosphere. It combines *ersticken* (to suffocate) and *Stoff* (substance, matter). The French term *Azote* (from Greek *a-* 'not' and *zoon* 'living') and the English *Nitrogen* (from Greek *nitron* 'soda, saltpeter' and *genes* 'producing') have different origins.
• Discovery (*Entdeckung*): Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by Daniel Rutherford.
• Abundance (*Häufigkeit*): It is the most abundant element in Earth's atmosphere (approx. 78% by volume). In the universe, it is the seventh most abundant element.
• Symbol N: The chemical symbol N derives from the Latin word *nitrogenium*.