material
Loading your saved state.
material
A raw material or substance from which something is made, for example wood, metal, plastic, or fabric.
Für den Bau der Hütte benötigen wir noch Material aus dem Baumarkt.
For building the hut, we still need material from the hardware store.
'Material' is often used as an uncountable noun in the singular. The plural 'die Materialien' (the materials) is used when talking about different types of substances or different collections of documents.
Für den Schrank benötigen wir noch Material.
We still need material for the cabinet.
The exact meaning of 'Material' (material) becomes clear from the context. If it is about building or crafting, it refers to a substance. In an academic or journalistic context, it refers to information. In sports or expeditions, it refers to equipment.
Welches Material ist am besten für den Boden geeignet?
Which material is best suited for the floor?
When 'Material' (material) means information or data, it is often combined with research-related verbs. Common combinations are 'Material sammeln' (to collect material), 'Material sichten' (to review material), and 'Material auswerten' (to analyze material).
Für ihre Doktorarbeit muss sie noch viel Material auswerten.
For her doctoral thesis, she still has to analyze a lot of material.
medium
'das Medium' and 'das Material' can overlap in art or design. 'Material' means the substance something is made from, for example wood, paper, clay, or metal. In art, 'Medium' refers more to the form or artistic means someone works with, for example photography, oil painting, or bronze. The words can be confused because a medium can often also include a material. If you are talking about the concrete substance, 'Material' fits better. If you are talking about the artistic form of expression, 'Medium' is more precise.
Für den Kurs bringt ihr morgen bitte Papier, Kleber und anderes Material mit.
For the course tomorrow, please bring paper, glue, and other materials.
Fotografie ist für sie das wichtigste Medium ihrer Kunst.
Photography is the most important medium of her art.