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metallen
metal
An outdated or poetic form meaning 'made of metal.'
example
Der Ritter trug einen metallenen Helm, der in der Sonne glänzte.
The knight wore a metal helmet that shone in the sun.
metallen
metal
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Metallen' (metal, made of metal) is formed from the noun 'das Metall' (metal) with the ending '-en.' This ending is often used to form adjectives that describe a material, such as 'golden' (made of gold) or 'hölzern' (made of wood).
EXAMPLE
Der König trank aus einem goldenen Becher.
The king drank from a golden cup.
Register and style
This word is outdated and today is used almost only in poetry, fairy tales, or historical novels to create an old-fashioned atmosphere. It is unusual in modern usage.
EXAMPLE
Hinter dem metallenen Tor lag ein verwunschener Garten.
Behind the metal gate lay an enchanted garden.
Typical nouns
Since the word has a historical or fantastical style, it often describes matching objects. Typical nouns are: 'ein metallener Schild' (a metal shield), 'eine metallene Rüstung' (metal armor), or 'ein metallenes Tor' (a metal gate).
EXAMPLE
Der Krieger schützte sich mit seinem metallenen Schild.
The warrior protected himself with his metal shield.
Compare with
metallen vs metallisch
metallic
'metallen' and 'metallisch' can both have to do with metal. 'metallen' means 'made of metal', but today it is outdated or poetic. You are more likely to find it in older texts or in very elevated language. 'metallisch' is the normal modern word. It can mean that something is made of metal, but also that something looks, sounds, or tastes like metal. The words can be confusing because they look similar. In normal everyday language, 'metallisch' is almost always more natural; 'metallen' sounds unusual and old-fashioned.
metallen
Im alten Gedicht trägt der Ritter einen metallen Schild.
In the old poem, the knight carries a metal shield.
metallisch
Nach dem Sturz hörte Tom ein metallisches Geräusch aus der Werkstatt.
After the fall, Tom heard a metallic sound coming from the workshop.
In real life
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