01
das Vitamin
vitamin
An organic compound that the body needs for vital functions but cannot produce itself, or can produce only in insufficient quantities.
example
Orangen enthalten viel Vitamin C.
Oranges contain a lot of vitamin C.
das Vitamin
vitamin
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Context clue
The colloquial meaning exists only in the fixed expression 'Vitamin B'. Any other combination with a letter (Vitamin C, D, A) or the word on its own always refers to the biological substance.
EXAMPLE
Im Winter nehme ich zusätzlich Vitamin D.
In winter I take extra vitamin D.
Typical collocations
In the biological sense, 'Vitamin' (vitamin) is often used with verbs such as 'enthalten' (to contain) or 'brauchen' (to need). The combination 'reich an Vitaminen' (rich in vitamins) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gemüse enthält viele wichtige Vitamine.
This vegetable contains many important vitamins.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Vitamin B' is a fixed expression. The 'B' stands for 'Beziehungen' (relationships/connections). It describes the advantage you get through personal contacts.
EXAMPLE
Ohne Vitamin B ist es schwer, in dieser Branche eine Stelle zu finden.
Without connections, it is hard to find a job in this industry.
Register
The expression 'Vitamin B' belongs to colloquial language. In formal situations or in a job interview, you would not use this expression.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Wohnung nur durch Vitamin B bekommen, das ist doch klar.
He only got the apartment through connections, that's obvious.
Compare with
Vitamin vs Kontakt
contact
'der Kontakt' and 'das Vitamin' are connected here only in the fixed expression 'Vitamin B'. 'Kontakt' means a connection to people or also a person who can help. 'Vitamin B' is colloquial and means that someone gains an advantage through relationships, especially at work. The words can be confused because the 'B' here stands for 'Beziehung' (relationship) and not for a real vitamin. In neutral situations, it is better to say 'Kontakt' or 'Kontakte'. 'Vitamin B' sounds more informal and can also be meant critically.
Vitamin
Clara hat die Stelle nicht nur wegen ihrer Noten bekommen, sondern auch durch Vitamin B.
Clara got the position not only because of her grades, but also through connections.
Kontakt
Durch einen alten Kontakt bekam Mehmet ein Gespräch bei der Firma.
Through an old contact, Mehmet got an interview at the company.
In real life
Loading video examples...