das Blei
lead
A chemical element that is a soft, heavy, and toxic heavy metal with a bluish-white color.
EXAMPLE
Früher wurden Wasserrohre oft aus Blei hergestellt.
In the past, water pipes were often made of lead.
das Blei
lead
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Meanings
das Blei
lead
A colloquial term for the core of a pencil, although today it is made of a graphite-clay mixture and not of the metal lead.
EXAMPLE
Mist, mir ist das Blei im Bleistift abgebrochen.
Damn, the lead in my pencil broke.
das Blei
lead weight
A weight made of lead that is used in fishing to keep the bait underwater, or in diving to compensate for buoyancy.
EXAMPLE
Der Angler befestigte ein kleines Blei an seiner Schnur, damit der Haken schneller sinkt.
The angler attached a small lead weight to his line so that the hook would sink faster.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'bleiern' (leaden) is derived from the noun 'Blei' (lead). It is often used metaphorically to describe a heavy, oppressive atmosphere or feeling, as in 'bleierne Stille' (leaden silence) or 'bleierne Müdigkeit' (leaden fatigue).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung spürte er eine bleierne Müdigkeit in seinen Beinen.
After the long hike, he felt a leaden fatigue in his legs.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Blei' (lead) from context. If the topic is chemistry, materials, or toxicity, it refers to the metal. In connection with writing or drawing, it means the core of a pencil. In fishing or diving, it refers to a weight.
EXAMPLE
Dieser alte Farbanstrich könnte noch Blei enthalten.
This old coat of paint could still contain lead.
Cultural context
In Germany, there is a New Year's Eve custom called 'Bleigießen' (lead pouring). A small piece of lead is heated, thrown into cold water, and the resulting shape is interpreted to predict the future.
EXAMPLE
Zu Silvester machen wir immer Bleigießen, das ist eine lustige Tradition.
On New Year's Eve, we always do lead pouring; it's a fun tradition.
Typical use
When the core of a pencil is meant, 'Blei' (lead) is often used with the verb 'abbrechen' (to break off). With mechanical pencils, you can also say that you 'ein neues Blei einlegt' (insert a new lead).
EXAMPLE
Sei vorsichtig, das Blei dieses weichen Stiftes bricht sehr leicht ab.
Be careful, the lead in this soft pencil breaks very easily.
In real life
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