plastic / sculpture
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plastic
A synthetic material used in many forms and for countless products. In everyday language, the term is often used synonymously for plastic packaging or plastic objects.
Im Meer schwimmt leider immer mehr Müll aus Plastik.
Unfortunately, more and more plastic waste is floating in the sea.
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If it's about the environment, packaging, or material, it refers to the synthetic material. If it's about art, museums, or artists, it refers to the work of art.
Diese Flasche ist aus recyceltem Plastik.
This bottle is made of recycled plastic.
The adjective 'plastisch' means 'moldable' or 'three-dimensional'. It helps you understand both meanings of the noun: plastic material can be molded, and a work of art can be a three-dimensional representation.
Ton ist ein plastisches Material, das sich gut formen lässt.
Clay is a moldable material that can be shaped well.
In connection with the material, typical verbs are 'vermeiden' (to avoid), 'recyceln' (to recycle), or 'entsorgen' (to dispose of). Common nouns are 'Plastikmüll' (plastic waste), 'Plastiktüte' (plastic bag), or 'Plastikflasche' (plastic bottle).
Viele Supermärkte versuchen, Plastikverpackungen zu reduzieren.
Many supermarkets are trying to reduce plastic packaging.
The material 'Plastik' (plastic) normally has no plural. If you read or hear the plural form 'die Plastiken', it always means 'Kunstwerk' (work of art).
Die Ausstellung zeigt Plastiken aus verschiedenen Epochen.
The exhibition shows sculptures from different eras.
figure
'die Figur' and 'das Plastik' can both refer to something three-dimensional that represents a person, an animal, or a shape. 'Figur' is much more general in everyday language and fits, for example, game pieces, small statues, or models. In this meaning, 'Plastik' refers to a work of art made from moldable material. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday language 'Plastik' usually means plastic, the material. For a small toy, you would more likely say 'Figur'; for a work of art in a museum, 'Plastik' can be more precise.
Im Museum betrachten die Besucher ein modernes Plastik aus Ton.
In the museum, the visitors look at a modern clay sculpture.
Auf dem Regal steht eine kleine Figur aus Holz.
There is a small wooden figure on the shelf.