copper
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copper
A reddish-brown, soft metal and chemical element (Cu) that conducts heat and electricity very well. It is often used for electrical cables, pipes, and coins.
Die alten Wasserleitungen in dem Haus sind noch aus Kupfer.
The old water pipes in the house are still made of copper.
'Kupfer' (copper) is often used as the first part of compound nouns to describe the material. Examples are 'Kupferdraht' (copper wire), 'Kupferdach' (copper roof), or 'Kupfermünze' (copper coin).
Für die Renovierung benötigen wir ein neues Kupferrohr.
For the renovation, we need a new copper pipe.
The context tells you whether the metal or the color is meant. If it is about materials, electricity, or construction, it is the metal. If it is about appearance, hair, or art, it is the color.
Dieses Kabel besteht aus reinem Kupfer.
This cable is made of pure copper.
When 'Kupfer' (copper) describes a color, it often appears with adjectives like 'warm' (warm) or 'leuchtend' (bright/glowing), or verbs like 'schimmern' (to shimmer). A common combination is also 'Kupferton' (copper tone).
Der Herbstwald leuchtete in warmen Kupfer- und Goldtönen.
The autumn forest glowed in warm copper and gold tones.
To describe something as copper-colored, you often use the adjective 'kupferfarben' (copper-colored) or 'kupferrot' (copper-red). This is often more natural than a construction with the noun.
Sie trug ein kupferfarbenes Abendkleid.
She wore a copper-colored evening dress.
bronze
'die Bronze' and 'das Kupfer' can be confused because both metals can look reddish-brown, and bronze contains copper. The important difference is: copper is a single metal, while bronze is a mixture of copper and tin. For cables and pipes, people usually say 'Kupfer'. For statues, bells, or certain medals, 'Bronze' is often appropriate. So when the exact material matters, you should distinguish between pure copper and an alloy.
In alten Häusern bestehen viele Wasserrohre noch aus Kupfer.
In old houses, many water pipes are still made of copper.
Die alte Statue im Park ist aus Bronze und hat eine dunkle Oberfläche.
The old statue in the park is made of bronze and has a dark surface.