01
das Kalium
potassium
A chemical element with the symbol K. It is an essential mineral for the human body and plays an important role for nerves and muscles.
example
Bananen enthalten viel Kalium.
Bananas contain a lot of potassium.
das Kalium
potassium
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Meanings
Usage tips
Recognizing word structure
The ending '-ium' is typical of the names of many chemical elements in German. When you see this ending, it is often a substance, as in 'Kalzium' (calcium), 'Natrium' (sodium), or 'Magnesium' (magnesium).
EXAMPLE
Für gesunde Knochen ist nicht nur Kalzium, sondern auch Magnesium wichtig.
For healthy bones, not only calcium but also magnesium is important.
Use without an article
As the name of a substance, 'Kalium' (potassium) is often used without an article, especially when referring to an unspecified amount. So you say 'Bananen enthalten Kalium' (bananas contain potassium), not '... das Kalium'.
EXAMPLE
Spinat enthält viel Eisen und Kalium.
Spinach contains a lot of iron and potassium.
Context: science
The word 'Kalium' (potassium) is mainly used in scientific, medical, or nutrition-related contexts. In everyday life, people tend to talk about the foods that contain it.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt überprüfte den Kaliumspiegel im Blut des Patienten.
The doctor checked the potassium level in the patient's blood.
Typical collocations
Common word combinations are 'reich an Kalium sein' (to be rich in potassium) or 'Kalium enthalten' (to contain potassium). In medicine, people often talk about 'Kaliummangel' (potassium deficiency) or the body's 'Kaliumhaushalt' (potassium balance).
EXAMPLE
Avocados sind bekannt dafür, reich an Kalium zu sein.
Avocados are known for being rich in potassium.
Compare with
Kalium vs Magnesium
magnesium
'das Magnesium' and 'das Kalium' are both chemical elements and important minerals for the body. Both can appear in connection with nerves and muscles, so they are easy to confuse. Magnesium is often mentioned in everyday life when talking about muscle cramps and dietary supplements. Kalium also plays an important role for nerves and muscles, but it is a different substance with a different chemical symbol. In health texts, you should read carefully to see which mineral is meant, because the names are not interchangeable.
Kalium
Bananen enthalten Kalium, das für Muskeln und Nerven wichtig ist.
Bananas contain potassium, which is important for muscles and nerves.
Magnesium
Wir haben Magnesium gekauft, weil Tom nach dem Training Krämpfe hatte.
We bought magnesium because Tom had cramps after training.
In real life
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