Rost
/ʁɔst/masculine
The German word for the English phrase 'rust' is Rost.
Rost is a noun used to describe the result of oxidation. You might use the adjective rostig to describe rusty objects or the phrase von Rost befallen to say something is affected by rust.
Meaning: result of oxidation (noun)
Which one should you use?
When describing the process of rusting, you can use the verb rosten to describe an object rusting. If you want to imply that something is being completely consumed or ruined by rust, the verb verrosten is more appropriate.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Rost is a masculine noun, so it takes the article der.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɔst/
Did you know?
- The German word Rost is a linguistic double agent. It can refer to both the reddish oxidation on metal and a metal grate used for cooking, such as a grill rack.
- The word Rost is a distant relative of the English word 'red'. Both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root for the color red.
- The colloquial term Rostlaube literally translates to 'rust arbor' or 'rust bower'. It is used to describe a car that is so old and decayed it has become a piece of garden scrap.
Examples in context
- Mein Auto ist eine Rostlaube.My car is a rust bucket.This sentence is useful for seeing how Rost is used in the phrase 'Rostlaube' (rust bucket).Tatoeba #12758024 by mhr, translation #12758019 by sundown
- Der ganze Rost wurde entfernt.All the rust was removed.This sentence shows Rost being used in the context of being removed.Tatoeba #12217999 by mayabe, translation #10861294 by Amastan
- Das alte Eisenrohr war voller Rost.The old iron pipe was full of rust.This sentence demonstrates using Rost to describe an object that is full of it.Tatoeba #3121153 by samueldora, translation #681235 by Source_VOA
- Das Metall hat Rost angesetztThe metal has rusted
- Die Oxidation des Eisens führt zur RostbildungThe oxidation of iron leads to rust formation
- Da hat wohl Rost zugeschlagenLooks like rust has struck there
- Meine alten Fahrräder rosten immer an den gleichen StellenMy old bicycles always rust in the same spots
- Ist das verrostet?Is that rusted?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at an old garden gate.
- SarahSiehst du den braunen Rost an dem Tor?Do you see the brown rust on the gate?
- MaximilianJa, der Rost ist wirklich schlimm.Yes, the rust is really bad.
- SarahWir müssen ihn wahrscheinlich abschleifen.We probably need to sand it off.
- MaximilianDas mache ich morgen mit dir.I will do that with you tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rust” translations and entries Rost, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rost, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
