01
das Gold
gold
A valuable yellow precious metal used for jewelry, coins, and as an investment.
example
Ihre Kette ist aus echtem Gold gefertigt.
Her necklace is made of real gold.
das Gold
gold
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'golden' is derived from 'Gold' (gold). 'Gold-' is also used as a prefix in many compound words to describe either the material ('Goldschmuck' = gold jewelry) or the color ('Goldfisch' = goldfish).
EXAMPLE
Sie trug eine goldene Uhr am Handgelenk.
She wore a golden watch on her wrist.
Use without an article
When 'Gold' (gold) refers to a material or substance, it is usually used without an article, like many other materials (e.g. Holz = wood, Wasser = water, Glas = glass). In this case, it is uncountable.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Ring ist nicht aus Gold, sondern nur vergoldet.
This ring is not made of gold, but only gold-plated.
Fixed expressions
The figurative meaning of 'Gold' as something very valuable is found almost only in fixed expressions. The most important ones are 'Gold wert sein' (to be worth one's weight in gold) and 'ein Herz aus Gold haben' (to have a heart of gold).
EXAMPLE
Deine Hilfe bei meinem Umzug war wirklich Gold wert.
Your help with my move was really worth its weight in gold.
Typical collocations
In a sports context, 'Gold' (gold) is used as a synonym for the gold medal. Typical verbs in this context are 'Gold gewinnen' (to win gold), 'Gold holen' (to get/win gold), or 'Gold verteidigen' (to defend gold).
EXAMPLE
Der Athlet hofft, bei den nächsten Spielen Gold zu holen.
The athlete hopes to win gold at the next games.
Context clue
When 'Gold' describes a color, it often appears in connection with nature, light, or art. People then speak, for example, of 'das Gold des Herbstes' (the gold of autumn) or of hair that 'in der Sonne wie Gold leuchten' (shines like gold in the sun).
EXAMPLE
Im Oktober leuchten die Wälder in allen Schattierungen von Rot und Gold.
In October, the forests glow in all shades of red and gold.
Compare with
Gold vs Silber
silver
'Gold' and 'Silber' are easy to confuse because both can refer to valuable metals, colors, and medals. The main difference is simple: gold is yellowish and represents first place in competitions. Silver is shiny light gray and represents second place. With jewelry and colors, you need to pay attention to the appearance. In sports, the order is important: gold comes before silver.
Gold
Die Läuferin gewann Gold und freute sich über den ersten Platz.
The runner won gold and was happy about taking first place.
Silber
Seine alte Uhr ist aus Silber und glänzt hell im Licht.
His old watch is made of silver and shines brightly in the light.
In real life
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