01
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
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Meanings
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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.
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.
Compare with
Zinn vs Quatsch
nonsense
'der Quatsch' and 'das Zinn' can both colloquially mean something derogatory, for example nonsensical talk or worthless junk. 'der Quatsch' is very normal for this and is often used when something sounds stupid, wrong, or pointless. 'das Zinn' actually has a different main meaning, namely a metal. The derogatory meaning for nonsense or junk is colloquial and much less common. If you want to speak clearly and naturally, 'Quatsch' is usually the better choice. 'Zinn' in this sense sounds more specialized and can easily be misunderstood.
Zinn
Nach dem Gespräch nennt sie die alten Versprechen nur noch wertloses Zinn.
After the conversation, she now calls the old promises nothing but worthless junk.
Quatsch
Was soll denn der Quatsch mit den drei verschiedenen Passwörtern?
What's all this nonsense with the three different passwords?
In real life
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