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
die Substanz
substance
The essential content, core, or most important part of something, e.g. an argument, a text, or a building.
EXAMPLE
Die Substanz seiner Kritik ging in den vielen Nebensätzen verloren.
The substance of his criticism was lost in the many subordinate clauses.
die Substanz
assets / substance
The assets, capital, or fundamental values of a company or person. Often used in the context of preservation or loss.
EXAMPLE
Die Krise hat die finanzielle Substanz vieler kleiner Betriebe angegriffen.
The crisis has eaten into the financial substance of many small businesses.
die Substanz
substance
Colloquial and often euphemistic for illegal drugs.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde verhaftet, weil er verbotene Substanzen bei sich hatte.
He was arrested because he had prohibited substances on him.
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 Stoff
fabric / material
Stoff and Substanz can both refer to a material with particular properties. Stoff is the usual general term for this. Substanz places more emphasis on examining or identifying the material precisely based on its chemical or physical properties.
Substanz
Die Fachkraft untersucht, welche Substanz die Hautreizung verursacht hat.
The specialist is examining which substance caused the skin irritation.
Stoff
Dieser Stoff kann die Haut reizen, deshalb trägt Jana Handschuhe.
This substance can irritate the skin, so Jana wears gloves.
In real life
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