brass
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brass
A golden-yellow, shiny alloy of the metals copper and zinc, used for fittings, musical instruments, and decorative objects.
Die alten Türgriffe sind aus massivem, poliertem Messing gefertigt.
The old door handles are made of solid, polished brass.
As a material term (mass noun), 'Messing' (brass) is usually used without an article, especially after the preposition 'aus' (made of/from). You say 'ein Schild aus Messing' (a sign made of brass), not 'aus dem Messing'.
Der Kerzenständer ist aus poliertem Messing.
The candlestick is made of polished brass.
Brass is often described with adjectives such as 'glänzend' (shiny), 'poliert' (polished), or 'massiv' (solid). Typical objects made of brass are musical instruments, especially brass instruments, door handles, signs, or bathroom fixtures.
An der alten Eichentür war ein glänzendes Messingschild angebracht.
A shiny brass sign was attached to the old oak door.
The adjective 'messingen' is derived from the noun 'das Messing' (brass) and means 'made of brass'. It is somewhat more formal or literary than the phrase 'aus Messing' (made of brass).
Sie bewunderte die alten messingenen Knöpfe an der Jacke.
She admired the old brass buttons on the jacket.
gold
'Gold' and 'Messing' can look similar because both have a yellowish shine. That is why they can easily be confused, especially with jewelry, old handles, or decoration. 'Gold' is a valuable precious metal or the corresponding color. 'Messing', on the other hand, is a mixture of copper and zinc and is usually much less valuable. When you are talking about the real material and its value, 'Gold' is correct. When you are talking about a golden-yellow material for fittings, instruments, or decoration, 'Messing' often fits.
Die alte Türklinke glänzt wie Gold, aber sie ist aus Messing.
The old door handle shines like gold, but it is made of brass.
Der Ring ist aus echtem Gold und war sehr teuer.
The ring is made of real gold and was very expensive.