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.
sculpture
A three-dimensional work of art made by modeling or casting from a moldable mass, such as clay, wax, or plastic. In contrast to a carved sculpture, material is added here, not removed.
Im Museum war ein beeindruckendes Plastik eines modernen Künstlers ausgestellt.
An impressive sculpture by a modern artist was on display in the museum.
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.
plastic
Das Plastik and der Kunststoff can refer to the same synthetic material. Kunststoff is the neutral, also technical term; Plastik is more common in everyday speech and is often used for packaging or objects. Kunststoff is therefore usually used in factual descriptions of materials, while Plastik is common in conversation.
Im Alltag sagt Mia, dass die Flasche aus Plastik besteht.
In everyday conversation, Mia says that the bottle is made of plastic.
In der sachlichen Materialangabe steht, dass die Flasche aus Kunststoff besteht.
The factual material description states that the bottle is made of plastic.
