die Plastik
sculpture
A three-dimensional work of art made, for example, from stone, metal, wood, or plastic.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Museum steht eine große Plastik aus Bronze.
There is a large bronze sculpture in front of the museum.
die Plastik
sculpture / plastic surgery
die Plastik, die Plastiken
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Meanings
die Plastik
plastic surgery
A plastic surgery operation to restore or alter part of the body.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war eine Plastik des Gesichts erforderlich.
After the accident, plastic surgery on the face was necessary.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Plastik, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Plastiken |
| genitive | der Plastik |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Plastik | die Plastiken |
| accusative | die Plastik | die Plastiken |
| dative | der Plastik | den Plastiken |
| genitive | der Plastik | der Plastiken |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
With 'die Plastik' (sculpture / plastic surgery), the surrounding words show which meaning is intended: a museum, bronze, or artwork points to a sculpture; an accident, face, or operation points to a medical procedure.
EXAMPLE
Die Plastik vor dem Museum wurde von einer bekannten Künstlerin geschaffen.
The sculpture in front of the museum was created by a well-known artist.
Der Chirurg plant für nächste Woche eine Plastik an der verletzten Hand.
The surgeon is planning plastic surgery on the injured hand for next week.
Art context
In an art context, 'Plastik' (sculpture) is often associated with the material and the place where it is displayed. Typical collocations are 'eine Plastik aus Bronze' (a bronze sculpture), 'eine Plastik aufstellen' (to put up a sculpture), and 'eine Plastik enthüllen' (to unveil a sculpture).
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt hat eine Plastik aus Stahl auf dem Marktplatz aufgestellt.
The city put up a steel sculpture in the market square.
Medical collocations
In its medical meaning, 'Plastik' (plastic surgery) is often used with body parts or injuries. Typical patterns are 'eine Plastik am Knie' (plastic surgery on the knee) and 'eine Plastik nach einem Unfall' (plastic surgery after an accident).
EXAMPLE
Nach der schweren Verletzung wurde eine Plastik am Ellenbogen durchgeführt.
Plastic surgery was performed on the elbow after the serious injury.
In real life
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