metal
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metal
A class of chemical elements that are typically solid, shiny, easily shaped, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Examples include iron, copper, gold, and aluminum.
Diese Pfanne ist aus schwerem Metall gefertigt.
This pan is made of heavy metal.
The adjective derived from 'Metall' (metal) is 'metallisch' (metallic). It means 'made of metal' or 'looking like metal'.
Die Oberfläche des Tisches hat einen kühlen, metallischen Glanz.
The surface of the table has a cool, metallic shine.
When referring to the material, 'Metall' (metal) is often used with the preposition 'aus' (made of/from). Common combinations also include adjectives like 'edel' (precious: gold, silver), 'schwer' (heavy: lead), or 'leicht' (light: aluminum).
Der Rahmen des Fahrrads ist aus einem sehr leichten Metall.
The frame of the bicycle is made of a very light metal.
If you hear 'Metall' (metal) in connection with words like 'Band' (band), 'Konzert' (concert), 'hören' (to listen to), or 'Festival' (festival), it refers to the music genre heavy metal.
Mein Bruder hört am liebsten den ganzen Tag lautes Metall.
My brother likes listening to loud metal all day more than anything.
Using 'Metall' (metal) as a short form for 'Heavy Metal' is colloquial. In more formal contexts, people would more likely say 'Heavy Metal' or 'Metal-Musik' (metal music).
Auf dieser Party läuft nur Metall, das ist nichts für mich.
They're only playing metal at this party; it's not for me.
steel
'der Stahl' and 'das Metall' both belong to the area of solid materials. 'Metall' is the general umbrella term, for example for iron, copper, gold, or aluminum. 'Stahl' is a specific type of material made from iron and a little carbon. The words can be confused because steel is also metallic and in everyday life often simply seems like a metal. If you are speaking only generally about the material, 'Metall' fits. If you specifically mean the strong material used for bridges, machines, or tools, 'Stahl' is more precise.
Der alte Schlüssel ist aus Metall und fühlt sich kalt an.
The old key is made of metal and feels cold.
Die neue Brücke besteht aus Stahl, weil sie sehr stabil sein muss.
The new bridge is made of steel because it has to be very stable.