01
die Substanz
substance
A substance or material with specific physical or chemical properties.
example
Im Labor wurde eine unbekannte chemische Substanz analysiert.
An unknown chemical substance was analyzed in the laboratory.
die Substanz
substance
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Substanz' (substance) depends heavily on the context. In chemistry, it means a material; in a discussion, the core of an argument; and in economics, assets.
EXAMPLE
Die Substanz des Gebäudes ist noch gut erhalten.
The substance of the building is still well preserved.
Typical collocations
In a scientific context, 'Substanz' (substance) is often combined with adjectives such as 'chemisch' (chemical), 'giftig' (toxic), 'flüssig' (liquid), or 'fest' (solid).
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Unfall trat eine gefährliche Substanz aus.
A dangerous substance leaked out during the accident.
Fixed expressions
In a financial or personal context, there are fixed expressions. 'An die Substanz gehen' means that something is very exhausting or eats into one's reserves. 'Von der Substanz leben' means to use up savings.
EXAMPLE
Die ständigen Überstunden gehen an die Substanz.
The constant overtime is taking a toll.
Register
In colloquial language or in official reports (e.g. by the police), 'Substanzen' (substances) is often used as a euphemistic or formal term for illegal drugs.
EXAMPLE
Der Konsum dieser Substanzen ist gesetzlich verboten.
The use of these substances is prohibited by law.
Compare with
Substanz vs Medium
medium
'das Medium' and 'die Substanz' can both occur in scientific contexts. 'Substanz' means a substance or material with specific properties. 'Medium', on the other hand, often means the environment or area in which something is located or through which something is transmitted. So a substance can be part of a medium, but the words are not the same. Learners may confuse them because both are used in chemistry, physics, or biology. When you mean the material itself, 'Substanz' is more precise. When you mean the environment or carrier, 'Medium' is more natural.
Substanz
Marie hat die unbekannte Substanz vorsichtig in ein Glas gefüllt.
Marie carefully poured the unknown substance into a glass.
Medium
Das Licht bewegt sich in diesem Medium langsamer als in Luft.
Light moves more slowly in this medium than in air.
In real life
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