der Rost
rust
A reddish-brown layer that forms on iron or steel when it comes into contact with oxygen and moisture.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Gartentor war komplett mit Rost überzogen.
The old garden gate was completely covered in rust.
der Rost
rust / grate
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Meanings
der Rost
grate
A grid made of metal bars, for example one placed over a fire for grilling or one that covers a drain.
EXAMPLE
Bevor du das Fleisch auflegst, solltest du den Rost gut reinigen.
Before you put the meat on, you should clean the grate well.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Rost' from the context. If it is about metal, decay, and a reddish color, it means corrosion. If it is about grilling, cooking, or drains, it means a grate.
EXAMPLE
Das Fahrrad hat über den Winter Rost angesetzt.
The bicycle developed rust over the winter.
Word family
The meaning 'Korrosion' (corrosion) is directly connected with the verb 'rosten' (to rust). When a metal object 'rostet' (rusts), it gets 'Rost' (rust).
EXAMPLE
Lass das Werkzeug nicht im Regen liegen, sonst rostet es.
Don't leave the tool out in the rain, or it will rust.
Use as a mass noun
In the meaning 'Korrosion' (corrosion), 'Rost' (rust) is a mass noun and is usually used without an article and in the singular, similar to 'Wasser' (water) or 'Holz' (wood).
EXAMPLE
Man muss den alten Rost abschleifen, bevor man das Metall neu lackiert.
You have to sand off the old rust before repainting the metal.
Typical verbs
When 'Rost' means the grate, typical verbs are 'etwas auf den Rost legen' (to put something on the grate), 'den Rost reinigen' (to clean the grate), or 'den Rost vorheizen' (to preheat the grate).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Grillen müssen wir noch den Rost sauber machen.
After grilling, we still have to clean the grate.
Compare with
Rost vs Gitter
grille / lattice
Both words can refer to a fixed structure made of metal bars. „Gitter“ is the general term for barriers and protective structures, whereas „Rost“ specifically refers to a grate over a fire or a drain. Use „Rost“ when this specific function is meant.
Rost
Über dem Abfluss liegt ein schwerer Rost aus Metall.
A heavy metal grate covers the drain.
Gitter
Vor dem Kellerfenster schützt ein stabiles Gitter das Haus.
A sturdy grille in front of the basement window protects the house.
In real life
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