material
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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
A collection of information, data, notes, or documents that serves as the basis for intellectual work such as a book, lecture, or study.
Der Journalist sammelte über Monate Material für seine Reportage.
The journalist collected material for his report over several months.
equipment
The equipment needed for a specific activity or purpose.
Vor der Bergwanderung sollten wir unser Material überprüfen.
Before the mountain hike, we should check our equipment.
'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
Medium refers to clay in the context of an artistic form of expression. Material refers to the same clay primarily as a substance that is processed. When talking about the type of art, choose Medium; for the quantity, properties, or processing of the substance, Material is the better choice.
Für ihre große Figur braucht die Künstlerin besonders viel Material aus Ton.
The artist needs a particularly large amount of clay material for her large figure.
Für ihre plastischen Arbeiten bevorzugt die Künstlerin Ton als Medium.
For her sculptures, the artist prefers clay as a medium.
