01
das Eisen
iron
A chemical element that is a very important and widely used metal and is used, for example, to produce steel.
example
Die alte Brücke wurde vollständig aus Eisen gebaut.
The old bridge was built entirely out of iron.
das Eisen
iron
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'eisern' is derived from the noun 'das Eisen' (iron). It literally means 'made of iron', but it is also used metaphorically to mean 'strong', 'unyielding', or 'hard'.
EXAMPLE
Eine eiserne Kette verschloss das Tor.
An iron chain locked the gate.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'Eisen' (iron) as an object becomes clear from the context. In a sports context, especially golf, it is a club; in a household context, it is a clothes iron; and colloquially it can refer to a weapon.
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Schlag zum Grün nehme ich ein anderes Eisen.
For this shot to the green, I'll take a different iron.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein heißes Eisen anfassen' or 'anpacken' means to deal with a very sensitive or controversial topic. The verb is an important part of the expression.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinem Vorschlag hat der Minister ein heißes Eisen angepackt.
With his proposal, the minister took on a hot potato.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein Eisen im Feuer haben' means that you still have another option or plan in reserve. The typical verb in this expression is 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Ich mache mir keine Sorgen, denn ich habe noch ein anderes Eisen im Feuer.
I'm not worried, because I still have another iron in the fire.
Colloquial shortening
In everyday language, 'das Eisen' (iron) is often used as a short form for 'das Bügeleisen' (clothes iron). From the context, such as clothing or ironing, this meaning is usually immediately clear.
EXAMPLE
Sei vorsichtig, ich habe das Eisen gerade erst ausgemacht.
Be careful, I only just turned the iron off.
Compare with
Eisen vs Waffe
weapon
'die Waffe' and 'das Eisen' can both refer to an object with which someone can be threatened or injured. 'Waffe' is the normal and precise word for this. It fits in official, factual, and everyday descriptions. 'Eisen' actually means a metal or an object made of iron. Only colloquially can it also mean a weapon, often in a rougher or more narrative style. For this reason, 'Eisen' can be ambiguous, because people may first think of the material, a tool, or a clothes iron. If you are clearly talking about a weapon, 'Waffe' is almost always the better choice.
Eisen
In dem alten Krimi zieht der Täter plötzlich ein Eisen.
In the old crime novel, the perpetrator suddenly pulls out a gun.
Waffe
Die Polizei fand im Auto eine Waffe.
The police found a weapon in the car.
In real life
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