01
der Granit
granite
A very hard igneous rock that is often used for buildings, monuments, or as paving stone.
example
Die Küchenarbeitsplatte ist aus poliertem Granit.
The kitchen countertop is made of polished granite.
der Granit
granite
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'auf Granit beißen' (to hit a brick wall) means that you encounter strong, insurmountable resistance with a request or plan. The person who fails is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner Idee für ein neues Projekt biss er beim Chef auf Granit.
With his idea for a new project, he hit a brick wall with the boss.
Use as a material
When 'Granit' (granite) is meant as a material, it often appears with the preposition 'aus' (made of). Typical objects are countertops, floors, or monuments.
EXAMPLE
Der Boden in der Eingangshalle ist aus massivem Granit.
The floor in the entrance hall is made of solid granite.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning immediately from the verb 'beißen' (to bite). When 'Granit' (granite) and 'beißen' occur together in a sentence, the idiom is always meant.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe versucht, eine Ausnahme zu bekommen, aber ich habe auf Granit gebissen.
I tried to get an exception, but I hit a brick wall.
Compare with
Granit vs Marmor
marble
'Marmor' and 'Granit' are both hard natural stones and are used for buildings, floors, monuments, or slabs. That makes them easy to confuse, especially if you are only thinking of beautiful, solid stones. 'Marmor' often looks smoother and more elegant and frequently has visible lines or veining. It is often used for sculptures, staircases, or elegant interiors. 'Granit' is especially hard and durable. It is very suitable for paving stones, kitchen countertops, or outdoor monuments. In practical terms: for an elegant, polished look, people often think of 'Marmor'; for a very robust stone, they are more likely to think of 'Granit'.
Granit
Vor dem Rathaus sind die alten Pflastersteine aus Granit.
In front of the town hall, the old paving stones are made of granite.
Marmor
Im Museum steht eine helle Statue aus Marmor.
There is a light-colored marble statue in the museum.
In real life
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