crystal
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crystal
A solid body whose atoms or molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating lattice structure. Crystals often have smooth, flat surfaces and a geometric shape.
In der Höhle fanden sie riesige, funkelnde Kristalle.
In the cave, they found huge, sparkling crystals.
The adjective 'kristallklar' (crystal clear) is derived from the word 'Kristall' (crystal). It literally means 'clear like a crystal' and is often used to express that something is very transparent or very easy to understand.
Das Wasser in dem Bergsee war kristallklar.
The water in the mountain lake was crystal clear.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Kristall' (crystal) from the context. If it is about geology or chemistry, the mineral is meant. In connection with glasses or vases, it means high-quality glass. In police reports or reports about drug crime, it stands for the drug.
In diesem Gestein findet man kleine Kristalle.
Small crystals can be found in this rock.
In its mineral meaning, 'Kristall' (crystal) is often combined with other nouns to form new words. Common examples are 'Bergkristall' (rock crystal), 'Salzkristall' (salt crystal), and 'Eiskristall' (ice crystal).
Im Winter bildeten sich wunderschöne Eiskristalle an der Fensterscheibe.
In winter, beautiful ice crystals formed on the windowpane.
The use of 'Kristall' (crystal) for the drug crystal meth is colloquial and limited to a specific context. It is found mainly in the media, among the police, or in the drug scene.
Die Ermittler warnten vor der zunehmenden Verbreitung von Kristall in der Region.
Investigators warned about the increasing spread of crystal meth in the region.
glass / jar
'Glas' and 'Kristall' can both refer to a transparent, hard material that drinking glasses or bowls, for example, are made of. 'Glas' is the normal general word. It is used for windows, bottles, drinking glasses, and many other things. In this context, 'Kristall' means a particularly clear, high-quality type of glass, often used for beautiful glasses or decoration. Learners may confuse the words because crystal objects are also made of glass. In everyday life, 'Glas' is usually more natural; 'Kristall' fits better when you want to emphasize the special quality or elegant impression.
Auf dem Tisch steht eine schwere Schale aus Kristall.
There is a heavy crystal bowl on the table.
Die neue Tür im Wohnzimmer ist aus Glas.
The new door in the living room is made of glass.