asphalt
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asphalt
A black, viscous to solid mixture of bitumen and aggregates, used mainly as a surface for roads, paths, and squares.
Nach dem Regen glänzte der frische Asphalt der neu gemachten Straße.
After the rain, the fresh asphalt of the newly built road gleamed.
Common verbs used with 'Asphalt' (asphalt) are 'Asphalt verlegen' (to lay asphalt) or 'Asphalt auftragen' (to apply asphalt). Typical adjectives describe its condition, for example 'heißer' (hot), 'nasser' (wet), or 'rissiger Asphalt' (cracked asphalt).
Die Baufirma wird morgen den neuen Asphalt verlegen.
The construction company will lay the new asphalt tomorrow.
When 'Asphalt' (asphalt) refers to the material in general, it is often used without an article. When talking about a specific road surface, the definite article 'der Asphalt' (the asphalt) is used.
Moderne Straßen bestehen oft aus einer Mischung aus Asphalt und Beton.
Modern roads often consist of a mixture of asphalt and concrete.
In colloquial language, 'Asphalt' (asphalt) is sometimes used metaphorically for the urban environment or the street. A well-known metaphor is 'Asphaltdschungel' (asphalt jungle) for a large, impersonal city.
Er wuchs im Asphaltdschungel von Berlin auf.
He grew up in the asphalt jungle of Berlin.
concrete
'der Beton' and 'der Asphalt' are both hard materials that you see in construction. For that reason, they can easily be confused, especially when talking about paths, squares, or construction sites. 'Beton' is a building material made from cement, sand, gravel, and water. It is often used for walls, foundations, ceilings, or slabs. 'Asphalt' is usually dark to black and is mainly used as a surface for roads, paths, and parking lots. A practical way to remember it is: houses and foundations often have concrete, while roads usually have asphalt.
Nach der Hitze war der Asphalt auf der Straße noch warm.
After the heat, the asphalt on the road was still warm.
Für das neue Fundament wird morgen Beton geliefert.
Concrete will be delivered tomorrow for the new foundation.