Membel
German NOUN C1 Rank 14924

der Phosphor

phosphorus

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Meanings

01

der Phosphor

phosphorus

A chemical element that is essential for all living things and occurs in various forms. It is used, among other things, for fertilizers and in the chemical industry.

example

Phosphor ist ein wichtiger Nährstoff für das Pflanzenwachstum.

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth.

Visual example for Phosphor: der Phosphor

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confusable

Phosphor vs Phosphat

phosphate

'Phosphor' and 'Phosphat' are closely related chemically, but they are not the same thing. 'Phosphor' is a chemical element. 'Phosphat' is a chemical compound, more specifically a salt or ester of phosphoric acid. Both words occur in contexts involving plants, fertilizers, and nutrients, so they can easily be confused. When referring to the element itself, you say 'Phosphor'. When referring to substances in fertilizer, detergents, or food additives, 'Phosphat' is often more precise.

Visual example for Phosphat
Phosphor

Im Chemieunterricht erklärt die Lehrerin, warum Phosphor für Lebewesen wichtig ist.

In chemistry class, the teacher explains why phosphorus is important for living things.

Phosphat

Dieses Waschmittel enthält kein Phosphat.

This detergent does not contain any phosphate.

Open full lesson: Phosphat →

In real life

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