palladium
Loading your saved state.
palladium
A rare, silvery-white chemical element and precious metal that belongs to the platinum metals group and is used, among other things, in catalytic converters and jewelry.
Der Preis für Palladium ist in den letzten Jahren stark gestiegen, da es für die Autoindustrie wichtig ist.
The price of palladium has risen sharply in recent years because it is important for the auto industry.
safeguard
In a figurative, educated-register sense, a sacred object or ideal value regarded as protection or a guarantee for the continued existence of a community or institution.
Die Meinungsfreiheit wird oft als das Palladium der Demokratie bezeichnet.
Freedom of expression is often described as the safeguard of democracy.
The word 'Palladium' (palladium) belongs to a very formal and educated style in both meanings. You encounter it mainly in written language, in scientific texts, or in ceremonial speeches.
In seiner Rede nannte er die Pressefreiheit das Palladium der Demokratie.
In his speech, he called freedom of the press the safeguard of democracy.
The context makes the meaning clear. If the topic is chemistry, industry, or jewelry, the metal is meant. If the topic is abstract values such as freedom or law, the figurative meaning is meant.
Palladium ist ein wichtiges Metall für die Herstellung von Katalysatoren.
Palladium is an important metal for the production of catalytic converters.
In its figurative meaning, 'Palladium' (safeguard) is almost always used in the construction 'das Palladium von/für etwas sein' (to be the safeguard of/for something). It describes a valuable good worth protecting that is essential for preserving a larger system.
Die geheime Wahl gilt als ein Palladium der demokratischen Ordnung.
The secret ballot is regarded as a safeguard of the democratic order.
guarantor / guarantee
Garant is the usual term for a person, thing, or circumstance that ensures something. Palladium can also refer, in an elevated register, to a protective ideal value, but it sounds rare and figurative. For a neutral statement, „Garant“ is therefore usually the better choice.
In seiner feierlichen Rede bezeichnete er die unabhängige Justiz als Palladium der Freiheit.
In his formal speech, he described the independent judiciary as a safeguard of freedom.
Eine unabhängige Justiz gilt als Garant der Freiheit.
An independent judiciary is considered a guarantor of freedom.
