metallic
Having the property or appearance of metal; shining or shimmering like metal.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto hat eine moderne Lackierung in einem Metallic-Grau.
The car has a modern paint finish in metallic gray.
metallic
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Meanings
metallic
Describing a sound that is reminiscent of metal; sharp, bright, and often with a slightly clanging undertone.
EXAMPLE
Die E-Gitarre erzeugte einen harten, metallischen Sound.
The electric guitar produced a hard, metallic sound.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'metallic' derives directly from the noun 'das Metall' (metal). It describes properties that are typical of metal, such as shine or a particular sound.
EXAMPLE
Der Roboter hatte eine glänzende, metallische Oberfläche.
The robot had a shiny, metallic surface.
Appearance or sound?
You can tell from context whether 'metallic' describes an appearance or a sound. Words like 'Farbe' (color), 'Lack' (paint), or 'Glanz' (shine) point to the visual meaning, while 'Klang' (sound), 'Stimme' (voice), or 'Geräusch' (noise) point to the acoustic meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die metallic-grüne Farbe des Fahrrads schimmert in der Sonne.
The metallic green color of the bicycle shimmers in the sun.
As a color description
In the visual meaning, 'metallic' is very often used as part of a color term, especially for car paint. It often comes directly before the actual color and is connected with a hyphen.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich ein neues Auto in Metallic-Schwarz gekauft.
He bought himself a new car in metallic black.
Compare with
metallic vs metallisch
metallic
When describing a shine, both „metallisch“ and „metallic“ can work. „Metallisch“ generally refers to metal or a property of metal. „Metallic“ particularly emphasizes the metal-like shine or shimmer of a surface and therefore works well for a corresponding visual design.
metallic
Der graue Lack des Gehäuses schimmert metallic im Licht.
The gray paint on the casing shimmers with a metallic finish in the light.
metallisch
Das Gehäuse aus Stahl glänzt metallisch im Licht.
The steel casing gleams with a metallic sheen in the light.
In real life
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