01
das Mineral
mineral
A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure.
example
Gold und Quarz sind wertvolle Minerale.
Gold and quartz are valuable minerals.
das Mineral
mineral
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Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Das Mineral' belongs to a word family related to rock and water. Related words are the adjective 'mineralisch' (mineral) and the noun 'das Mineralwasser' (mineral water).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gestein ist reich an mineralischen Stoffen.
This rock is rich in mineral substances.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about geology, stones, or crystals, the scientific meaning (m01) is meant. If it is about nutrition, health, or the body, the nutrient (m02) is meant.
EXAMPLE
In der Ausstellung werden seltene Minerale aus aller Welt gezeigt.
Rare minerals from all over the world are shown in the exhibition.
Typical verbs (geology)
In a geological context, a mineral is often combined with verbs like 'finden' (to find), 'sammeln' (to collect), 'abbauen' (to mine), or 'enthalten' (to contain).
EXAMPLE
In dieser Mine werden wertvolle Minerale abgebaut.
Valuable minerals are mined in this mine.
Typical collocations (nutrition)
In the context of nutrition, 'Mineral' (usually in the plural 'Mineralien' or 'Mineralstoffe') is often mentioned together with 'Vitaminen' (vitamins). A typical phrase is 'reich an Mineralien sein' (to be rich in minerals).
EXAMPLE
Eine ausgewogene Ernährung versorgt den Körper mit Vitaminen und Mineralstoffen.
A balanced diet supplies the body with vitamins and minerals.
Compare with
Mineral vs Stein
stone
'der Stein' and 'das Mineral' both have to do with solid substances from nature. 'Stein' is the normal everyday word for a piece of rock that you find on the ground or can hold in your hand. 'Mineral' is more precise and is used more in natural science, geology, or collecting. A mineral has a specific composition and structure. Learners may confuse the words because many stones are made of minerals. But in everyday language, not every stone is called a mineral. If you simply mean a hard piece you find outside, 'Stein' is usually the right choice.
Mineral
Quarz ist ein Mineral, das in vielen Gesteinen vorkommt.
Quartz is a mineral that occurs in many rocks.
Stein
Beim Spaziergang hebt das Kind einen glatten Stein vom Weg auf.
During the walk, the child picks up a smooth stone from the path.
In real life
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