01
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
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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 Grill
grill
'der Grill' and 'der Rost' can occur together when grilling, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Der Grill' is the whole device used to cook meat, vegetables, or other foods over heat. 'Der Rost' is the metal grate that you put the food on. That is why people also say 'Grillrost' (grill grate). Learners may confuse the words because the grate is an important part of the grill. Also note: 'Rost' can also mean the brown layer on old metal, i.e. rust. For the whole device, say 'Grill'; for the grate on top, say 'Rost'.
Rost
Nach dem Essen reinigt Johanna den Rost mit einer Bürste.
After the meal, Johanna cleans the grate with a brush.
Grill
Für die Feier im Garten stellt Max den Grill neben die Terrasse.
For the party in the garden, Max puts the grill next to the patio.
In real life
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