01
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
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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.
Compare with
Blei vs Lot
plumb line / solder
'Blei' and 'Lot' can both have to do with metal or a weight, but they are different words. 'Blei' is a heavy, soft metal; for example, fishing or diving weights can be made from it. 'Lot' can be a tool with a weight on a string that is used to check a vertical line. 'Lot' can also refer to a metal used for soldering. The words can be confused because a 'Lot' used to, and sometimes still can, have a weight made of lead. Still, 'Blei' mainly names the material, while 'Lot' more often refers to the tool or the soldering metal.
Blei
Beim Angeln hängt Paul ein kleines Blei an die Schnur.
When fishing, Paul attaches a small lead weight to the line.
Lot
Der Handwerker benutzt ein Lot, damit die Wand wirklich gerade wird.
The craftsman uses a plumb line so that the wall will be truly straight.
In real life
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