steel
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steel
A very strong and hard alloy of iron and a small amount of carbon, used in construction, mechanical engineering, and for many tools.
Die Brücke wurde aus Stahl und Beton konstruiert.
The bridge was constructed from steel and concrete.
steel
Used figuratively to describe extreme hardness, strength, resilience, or relentlessness.
Für diesen Job braucht man Nerven aus Stahl.
For this job, you need nerves of steel.
Careful: 'der Stahl' (the metal) sounds like the English verb 'to steal' ('stehlen' in German). These words do not share a meaning. The German term for the metal is 'Stahl' (steel), while the German verb for the criminal act is 'stehlen' (to steal).
Dieses Messer ist aus hartem Stahl, nicht aus Silber.
This knife is made of hard steel, not silver.
'Stahl' (steel) is an uncountable noun (mass noun). When talking about the material in general, it is often used without an article. The plural 'die Stähle' is rare and is used only in technical language for different types of steel.
Für den Bau von Schiffen wird sehr viel Stahl benötigt.
A lot of steel is needed for building ships.
In the figurative meaning, 'Stahl' (steel) is often used in fixed expressions to express strength or insensitivity. Typical phrases are 'Nerven aus Stahl haben' (to have nerves of steel), 'ein stählerner Wille' (an iron/steely will), or 'ein Körper wie aus Stahl' (a body like steel).
Die Soldatin zeigte im Einsatz einen Willen aus Stahl.
The soldier showed a will of steel during the operation.
stainless steel
Stahl is the general term for a solid iron alloy. Edelstahl is a particularly pure and rust-resistant type of steel. When rust resistance or this special material quality matters, Edelstahl is more precise; otherwise, Stahl may be sufficient.
Für das Regal im trockenen Lager verwendet die Firma gewöhnlichen Stahl.
For the shelving in the dry warehouse, the company uses ordinary steel.
Für das Regal in der feuchten Großküche verwendet die Firma rostfreien Edelstahl.
For the shelving in the damp commercial kitchen, the company uses rust-resistant stainless steel.
