palladium
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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.
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.
silver
'das Silber' and 'das Palladium' are both silvery, shiny metals and can also be used for jewelry. However, they are different chemical elements. 'Silber' is much more familiar in everyday life, for example in jewelry, cutlery, or coins. 'Palladium' is a rarer precious metal from the platinum metals group and often appears in technical areas such as catalytic converters. They can be confused because of their similar color and because both are valuable metals. When referring to the well-known precious metal Ag, you say 'Silber'; 'Palladium' is a substance in its own right.
In manchen Katalysatoren wird Palladium verwendet.
Palladium is used in some catalytic converters.
Meine Großmutter bewahrt das Silber für besondere Feiern im Schrank auf.
My grandmother keeps the silver in the cupboard for special celebrations.