silicone
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silicone
A versatile plastic material that is elastic and heat-resistant. It is used as a sealant in construction, for kitchen utensils, in electronics, and for medical products.
Der Handwerker hat die Fugen im Badezimmer mit Silikon abgedichtet.
The tradesman sealed the joints in the bathroom with silicone.
Careful: 'Silikon' (silicone) is not the same as the English word 'silicon'. The German 'Silikon' is the elastic plastic material (English: silicone). The chemical element (English: silicon) is called 'Silizium' in German.
Für die neuen Fenster brauchen wir eine Tube Silikon.
We need a tube of silicone for the new windows.
You can always tell from context whether the material (m01) or a breast implant (m02) is meant. If it is about construction, trades, or the kitchen, the material is meant. If it is about the human body and cosmetic surgery, the implant is meant.
Diese Backform ist aus Silikon und sehr flexibel.
This baking mold is made of silicone and very flexible.
In a trades or DIY context, 'Silikon' (silicone) is often used with the verb 'abdichten' (to seal) or 'verfugen' (to grout/seal joints). You seal joints or gaps with silicone.
Die Ränder der Badewanne müssen neu mit Silikon abgedichtet werden.
The edges of the bathtub need to be resealed with silicone.
plastic / sculpture
'das Plastik' and 'das Silikon' both refer to artificially produced materials. In everyday language, 'Plastik' is a very general word for many types of plastic, for example packaging, bottles, or simple objects. 'Silikon' is a specific plastic material with special properties: it is often soft, elastic, and heat-resistant. You find it, for example, in baking molds, seals, or medical products. The words can be confused because silicone is also a plastic material. If you mean the exact material, say 'Silikon'; if you are talking about plastic in general, 'Plastik' fits.
Die Backform aus Silikon lässt sich leicht biegen und reinigen.
The silicone baking mold is easy to bend and clean.
Nach dem Einkauf legt Tim das Plastik in den gelben Sack.
After shopping, Tim puts the plastic in the yellow recycling bag.