chrome / chromium
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chrome
A shiny, protective layer of chromium applied to metal parts to give them a decorative appearance.
Der Oldtimer glänzte mit viel Chrom an den Stoßstangen und Felgen.
The vintage car gleamed with lots of chrome on the bumpers and rims.
The meaning is easy to recognize from the context. If it is about shiny surfaces on cars, motorcycles, or furniture, the protective coating is meant. In scientific or technical texts about metals or chemistry, the element is meant.
Er polierte das Chrom an seinem Motorrad, bis es spiegelte.
He polished the chrome on his motorcycle until it reflected like a mirror.
In its everyday meaning, 'Chrom' is often part of compounds that describe shiny metal parts. Examples are 'Chromfelgen' (chrome rims), 'Chromleisten' (chrome trim), or 'Chromgrill' (chrome grille).
Das Auto hat teure Chromfelgen.
The car has expensive chrome rims.
The use of 'Chrom' as a chemical element belongs to the specialized language of chemistry and materials science. In the periodic table, you will find it under the symbol 'Cr'.
Für die Herstellung von Edelstahl wird eine Legierung aus Eisen, Chrom und Nickel verwendet.
An alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel is used to produce stainless steel.
nickel
'der Nickel' and 'das Chrom' are both metals and can look silvery or shiny. That is why they can easily be confused, especially when talking about metal parts, coatings, or alloys. 'Nickel' mainly refers to the chemical element nickel, which is often used in mixtures with other metals. 'Chrom' can mean the chemical element chromium, but also a shiny protective layer on metal. If a part has a particularly mirror-like, decorative coating, 'Chrom' often sounds more natural. If the focus is on the material in an alloy, 'Nickel' may be more precise.
Am Fahrrad glänzt das Chrom, obwohl es schon viele Jahre alt ist.
The chrome on the bicycle shines, even though it is already many years old.
Diese alte Münze enthält Nickel und kann bei manchen Menschen eine Allergie auslösen.
This old coin contains nickel and can trigger an allergy in some people.