heavy metal
das Schwermetall, die Schwermetalle
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heavy metal
A metal with a comparatively high density, such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. Many heavy metals can be toxic to humans, animals, and the environment.
Blei ist ein giftiges Schwermetall.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schwermetalle |
| genitive | des Schwermetalles |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schwermetall | die Schwermetalle |
| accusative | das Schwermetall | die Schwermetalle |
| dative | dem Schwermetall | den Schwermetallen |
| genitive | des Schwermetalles des Schwermetalls | der Schwermetalle |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Schwermetall' is made up of 'schwer' (heavy) and 'Metall' (metal). It refers to a metal with a comparatively high density.
Quecksilber ist ein flüssiges Schwermetall.
Mercury is a liquid heavy metal.
'Schwermetall' is often used in environmental and health-related texts. Typical topics include soil or water contamination and poisoning caused by heavy metals.
Die Untersuchung ergab eine hohe Schwermetallbelastung im Boden.
The investigation revealed high levels of heavy metal contamination in the soil.
Die Behörde prüft das Wasser auf Schwermetalle.
The authorities are testing the water for heavy metals.
In compound words, 'Schwermetall' appears, for example, in 'Schwermetallbelastung' (heavy metal contamination) and 'Schwermetallvergiftung' (heavy metal poisoning). The phrase 'Schwermetalle im Boden' (heavy metals in the soil) is also common.
Die Ärztin stellte eine Schwermetallvergiftung fest.
The doctor diagnosed heavy metal poisoning.
