rubber / eraser
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rubber band
A short, ring-shaped band made of elastic material that is used to hold things together. Synonymous with Gummiband.
Kannst du mir bitte einen Gummi geben, um die Briefe zu bündeln?
Can you please give me a rubber band to bundle the letters?
'Gummi' (rubber/eraser) is often a short form for longer, more precise words. Depending on the context, it can stand for 'Gummiband' (rubber band), 'Radiergummi' (eraser), or even 'Gummistiefel' (rubber boots). To avoid misunderstandings, the full word is often the better choice.
Gib mir bitte den Radiergummi, nicht nur den Gummi.
Please give me the eraser, not just the 'Gummi'.
The meaning of 'Gummi' (rubber/eraser) is almost always clear from context. If people are talking about holding things together, a rubber band is meant. If they are talking about correcting pencil drawings, an eraser is meant.
Ich brauche einen Gummi für diesen Stapel Karten.
I need a rubber band for this stack of cards.
Using 'Gummi' (rubber) to mean a condom is purely colloquial. In formal or neutral conversations, you should use the word 'Kondom' (condom).
In der Aufklärungskampagne wurde betont, wie wichtig die Nutzung von Kondomen ist.
The awareness campaign emphasized how important the use of condoms is.
Saying 'Gummi' for 'Radiergummi' (eraser) is regionally common, especially in parts of northern and eastern Germany. In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the word 'Radiergummi' (eraser) is almost exclusively used and is better understood.
In Wien würde niemand nach einem „Gummi“ fragen, wenn er einen Radiergummi meint.
In Vienna, no one would ask for a 'Gummi' if they meant an eraser.
The expression 'Gummi geben' (to floor it) is a fixed colloquial phrase. It has nothing to do with the material, but means to accelerate hard with a vehicle, so that the tires might squeal.
Der Motorradfahrer hat an der Kreuzung richtig Gummi gegeben.
The motorcyclist really floored it at the intersection.
plastic
'der Kunststoff' and 'der Gummi' can both be materials used for everyday products. That makes them easy to confuse, especially with things like tires, covers, or seals. 'Kunststoff' means an artificially produced material that is often called 'Plastik' in everyday language. It can be hard or soft, but it is not automatically elastic. 'Gummi' means an elastic material made from rubber that can stretch and return to its original shape. When you are talking about plastic bottles, packaging, or many solid parts, 'Kunststoff' is more natural. When stretchiness is important, 'Gummi' fits better.
Der Gummi an der Tür ist kaputt, deshalb kommt kalte Luft herein.
The rubber seal on the door is broken, so cold air is coming in.
Die Dose besteht aus Kunststoff und ist sehr leicht.
The container is made of plastic and is very light.