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
das Vinyl
vinyl
The plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used for various products such as flooring, clothing, or films.
EXAMPLE
In der Küche haben wir einen pflegeleichten Boden aus Vinyl verlegt.
In the kitchen, we installed an easy-care vinyl floor.
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 Schallplatte
record
Both words can refer to analog sound recordings made of vinyl. Vinyl is often used generally or as a collective term for records, whereas Schallplatte clearly refers to a single record. Use Vinyl when the records as a medium or group are the focus, and Schallplatte for a specific record.
Vinyl
Im Laden stöberte ich lange nach Vinyl aus den siebziger Jahren.
I spent a long time browsing the store for vinyl from the 1970s.
Schallplatte
Im Laden kaufte ich eine Schallplatte aus den siebziger Jahren.
I bought a record from the 1970s at the store.
In real life
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