01
das Vinyl
vinyl / record
A record made from the plastic material vinyl. Often used as a synonym for records in general.
example
Er legt am liebsten altes Vinyl aus den 70er Jahren auf.
He prefers to play old vinyl from the 1970s.
das Vinyl
vinyl
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Vinyl' from the context. In connection with music, DJs, collecting, or playback devices, it always refers to records. In the context of construction, renovation, or materials, it refers to the plastic.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende gehe ich auf einen Flohmarkt, um altes Vinyl zu suchen.
At the weekend, I'm going to a flea market to look for old vinyl.
Use in a music context
When 'Vinyl' stands for records, it is often used like an uncountable noun without an article to refer to the medium in general. A typical combination is 'Vinyl auflegen' (to play/spin vinyl).
EXAMPLE
Ich höre zu Hause am liebsten Vinyl.
At home, I prefer listening to vinyl.
Use as a material name
When 'Vinyl' refers to the plastic, it is often used with the preposition 'aus' (made of) to describe the material of an object. It then usually appears without an article.
EXAMPLE
Die Tasche ist nicht aus Leder, sondern aus Vinyl.
The bag is not made of leather, but of vinyl.
Compare with
Vinyl vs Platte
plate / record
'die Platte' and 'das Vinyl' can both mean a record. 'Platte' is a normal, rather general word for it. 'Vinyl' emphasizes the material more and sounds especially natural in connection with music, collecting, or record players. The words can be confused because they are often used for the same music medium. If you simply want to say that you are putting on or buying a record, 'Platte' works well. When the medium is being treated as a special music format, 'Vinyl' is often more precise.
Vinyl
Viele Musikfans kaufen wieder Vinyl, weil sie den Klang mögen.
Many music fans are buying vinyl again because they like the sound.
Platte
Am Sonntag legt Tom eine alte Platte von seinem Vater auf.
On Sunday, Tom puts on an old record by his father.
In real life
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