das Zinn
tin
A silvery-white, soft heavy metal classified as a chemical element (Sn), often used for alloys such as bronze or for soldering.
EXAMPLE
Dieser alte Bierkrug ist aus reinem Zinn gefertigt.
This old beer stein is made of pure tin.
das Zinn
tin / junk
das Zinn
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Meanings
das Zinn
junk / nonsense
Colloquial and derogatory for worthless stuff, junk, or nonsensical talk.
EXAMPLE
Räum endlich mal dieses alte Zinn von deinem Schreibtisch weg!
Finally clear all this old junk off your desk!
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Zinn, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Zinnes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Zinn | – |
| accusative | das Zinn | – |
| dative | dem Zinn | – |
| genitive | des Zinnes des Zinns | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Zinn' (tin/junk) from the context. If it is about metal, crafts, or chemistry, it refers to the element. In colloquial, often derogatory remarks about objects or talk, it means 'Plunder' (junk) or 'Unsinn' (nonsense).
EXAMPLE
Für das Löten in der Elektronik brauchen wir Zinn.
For soldering in electronics, we need tin.
Was soll ich mit diesem ganzen Zinn auf dem Dachboden anfangen?
What am I supposed to do with all this junk in the attic?
Uncountable noun
In its main meaning as a metal, 'Zinn' (tin) is an uncountable noun. You cannot use it in the plural. Instead, you talk about objects made of tin, such as 'Zinnfiguren' (tin figures) or 'Zinngeschirr' (tin tableware).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Becher ist nicht aus Silber, sondern aus Zinn.
The old cup is not made of silver, but of tin.
Register and style
The meaning 'Plunder' (junk) or 'Unsinn' (nonsense) is purely colloquial and has a negative tone. It is used to dismiss something as worthless or stupid.
EXAMPLE
Er redet den ganzen Abend nur Zinn.
He just talks nonsense all evening.
In real life
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