das Element
element
A basic part or essential component of something larger.
EXAMPLE
Kommunikation ist ein entscheidendes Element für eine gute Teamarbeit.
Communication is a crucial element of good teamwork.
das Element
element
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Meanings
in seinem Element sein
to be in one's element
To be in a situation in which one feels especially comfortable and can fully use one's abilities.
EXAMPLE
Wenn sie über Kunst diskutiert, ist sie voll in ihrem Element.
When she discusses art, she is completely in her element.
das Element
element
In chemistry, a pure substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical methods and whose atoms all have the same number of protons.
EXAMPLE
Gold ist ein chemisches Element mit dem Symbol Au.
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au.
die Elemente
the elements
The forces of nature, especially rough weather such as wind, rain, or cold.
EXAMPLE
Das ungeschützte Haus war den Elementen voll ausgesetzt.
The unprotected house was fully exposed to the elements.
das Element
element
One of the four traditional basic substances (fire, water, earth, air) from which, according to ancient ideas, the world is made.
EXAMPLE
In der alten Lehre galt Wasser als eines der vier Elemente.
In the old doctrine, water was considered one of the four elements.
das Element
element
In mathematics or computer science, a single part of a set, list, or another data structure.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Element in diesem Array hat eine eindeutige Nummer.
Each element in this array has a unique number.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'elementar' (elementary/basic) is derived from 'Element' (element) and means 'grundlegend' (fundamental) or 'wesentlich' (essential). It helps you understand the core meaning of 'Element' as a fundamental building block.
EXAMPLE
Lesen und Schreiben sind elementare Fähigkeiten.
Reading and writing are basic skills.
Sentence structure and usage
When 'Element' (element) describes a component of something, it is often used with the preposition 'von' (of) and the dative, or with a genitive.
EXAMPLE
Vertrauen ist ein wichtiges Element von jeder Freundschaft.
Trust is an important element of every friendship.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'in seinem Element sein' (to be in one's element) is fixed. The possessive pronoun ('seinem', 'ihrem', 'meinem') adapts to the person you are talking about.
EXAMPLE
Sobald er eine Gitarre in der Hand hat, ist er in seinem Element.
As soon as he has a guitar in his hands, he is in his element.
Context clue: plural
When people speak of 'den Elementen' (the elements) in the plural, they often mean the forces of nature such as wind, rain, and snow. Typical verbs are 'ausgesetzt sein' (to be exposed) or 'trotzen' (to defy/withstand).
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger waren stundenlang den Elementen ausgesetzt.
The mountaineers were exposed to the elements for hours.
Typical adjectives
To emphasize the importance of a component, 'Element' (element) is often combined with adjectives such as 'wichtig' (important), 'wesentlich' (essential), 'zentral' (central), or 'entscheidend' (crucial).
EXAMPLE
Ein zentrales Element der Demokratie sind freie Wahlen.
A central element of democracy is free elections.
Context clue: chemistry
In a scientific context, you can recognize this meaning from words such as 'chemisch' (chemical), 'Symbol' (symbol), 'Atom' (atom), or 'Periodensystem' (periodic table).
EXAMPLE
Wasserstoff ist das erste Element im Periodensystem.
Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table.
Context clue: IT/math
In mathematics or computer science, you can recognize this meaning from words such as 'Menge' (set), 'Liste' (list), 'Array' (array), or 'Datenstruktur' (data structure).
EXAMPLE
Die Funktion sortiert die Elemente der Liste in alphabetischer Reihenfolge.
The function sorts the elements of the list in alphabetical order.
Compare with
Element vs Bestandteil
component / part
Element and Bestandteil both refer to a part of a larger whole. Bestandteil directly emphasizes that the part belongs to the whole. Element often emphasizes its fundamental or conceptual role, especially in abstract contexts. Use Bestandteil for simple belonging, and Element when the part has a supporting role.
Element
Der regelmäßige Austausch ist ein zentrales Element des neuen Sprachkurses.
Regular interaction is a central element of the new language course.
Bestandteil
Der regelmäßige Austausch ist ein fester Bestandteil des neuen Sprachkurses.
Regular interaction is an integral part of the new language course.
In real life
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