01
das Erz
ore
A naturally occurring rock or mineral from which metals or other valuable substances can be extracted.
example
In dieser Region wird seit Jahrhunderten Eisenerz abgebaut.
Iron ore has been mined in this region for centuries.
das Erz
ore
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Meanings
Usage tips
Common in compounds
'Erz' (ore) is very often used as the second part of a compound noun to specify the type of metal. Examples are 'Eisenerz' (iron ore), 'Kupfererz' (copper ore), or 'Golderz' (gold ore).
EXAMPLE
Schweden ist bekannt für seine reichen Vorkommen an Eisenerz.
Sweden is known for its rich deposits of iron ore.
Typical verbs
In the context of mining and metallurgy, ore is 'abgebaut' (mined), 'gefördert' (brought up from the earth), and then 'geschmolzen' (melted) or 'verhüttet' (smelted) in order to extract the metal.
EXAMPLE
Das Erz wird in großen Öfen geschmolzen.
The ore is melted in large furnaces.
Technical context
The word 'Erz' (ore) belongs mainly to the technical context of geology, mining, and metal processing. In everyday language, it is rarely used on its own, except in the compounds mentioned.
EXAMPLE
Die Analyse ergab, dass das Erz einen hohen Metallgehalt hat.
The analysis showed that the ore has a high metal content.
Not a prefix
The noun 'das Erz' (ore) is not related to the intensifying prefix 'Erz-' as in 'Erzfeind' (arch-enemy) or 'Erzbischof' (archbishop). These have different origins.
EXAMPLE
Der Erzfeind des Helden ist eine völlig andere Wortbedeutung als das Eisenerz im Berg.
The hero's arch-enemy is a completely different word meaning from the iron ore in the mountain.
Compare with
Erz vs Metall
metal
'das Metall' and 'das Erz' are connected because metal can be extracted from ore. 'Metall' is the substance itself, for example iron or copper. 'Erz' is a natural rock or mineral that contains valuable substances. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in mining and industry. The simple difference is: ore comes from the ground and is processed; metal is the material that can be used afterward.
Erz
In der Mine wird Erz abgebaut, aus dem später Metall gewonnen wird.
Ore is mined in the mine, and metal is later extracted from it.
Metall
Für das Geländer braucht Tom ein starkes Metall.
Tom needs a strong metal for the railing.
In real life
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