ceramics
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ceramic
A material made from inorganic, non-metallic raw materials (usually clay) by shaping and then firing at a high temperature.
Die Bremsbeläge dieses Sportwagens sind aus Keramik gefertigt, weil sie sehr hitzebeständig ist.
The brake pads of this sports car are made of ceramic because it is very heat-resistant.
The word 'Keramik' (ceramic/ceramics) is used in different ways. When it refers to the material or the craft, it is uncountable and appears in the singular. When an individual object is meant, it is countable and can also appear in the plural ('die Keramiken'—ceramic pieces).
Für diesen Bodenbelag wird spezielle Keramik verwendet.
Special ceramic is used for this flooring.
When 'Keramik' (ceramic) describes the material, you often find it in technical or material contexts. Typical combinations are 'aus Keramik bestehen' (to be made of ceramic), 'etwas aus Keramik fertigen' (to make something from ceramic), or in compounds such as 'Zahnkeramik' (dental ceramic) or 'Keramikmesser' (ceramic knife).
Moderne Zahnkronen werden oft aus Keramik hergestellt.
Modern dental crowns are often made of ceramic.
When an art object is meant, 'Keramik' (ceramic piece) is often used with verbs of collecting, buying, or exhibiting. Common adjectives are 'antike' (antique), 'moderne' (modern), or 'bemalte' (painted) ceramic.
Auf dem Flohmarkt hat er eine handbemalte Keramik entdeckt.
At the flea market, he discovered a hand-painted ceramic piece.
In the meaning of 'Handwerk' (craft) or 'Kunst' (art), 'Keramik' (ceramics) often appears together with words like 'Kurs' (course), 'lernen' (to learn), 'Werkstatt' (workshop), or 'Kunst' (art). Here it describes the activity of pottery.
Sie hat einen Kurs für Keramik an der Volkshochschule belegt.
She took a ceramics course at the adult education center.
tone / clay
'der Ton' and 'die Keramik' can appear together in the context of pottery, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Ton' is the soft, moldable material that you can shape into something. 'Keramik' is the material or object after the clay has been shaped and fired. In addition, 'Keramik' can also mean the craft or art form. The words are easy to confuse because many ceramics are made from clay. Remember: before firing, people often say 'Ton'; after firing, they are more likely to say 'Keramik'.
Auf dem Markt kauft Paul eine schöne Keramik für die Küche.
At the market, Paul buys a beautiful ceramic piece for the kitchen.
Im Kurs formt Anna aus Ton eine kleine Schale.
In the course, Anna shapes a small bowl out of clay.