Silber
/ˈzɪlbɐ/neuter
In German, the word for the metal silver is Silber.
Silber is a neuter noun referring to the metal itself. In scientific or technical contexts, the symbol Ag is used to represent silver.
Meaning: metal (noun)
Which one should you use?
When describing colors, you can use Silber as an indeclinable adjective, such as in the phrase Das Auto ist silber. In contrast, silbern is a fully declinable adjective. While silbern can mean an object is made of silver, it is most commonly used to describe something that is simply silver-colored.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, Silber is always capitalized. The related adjectives silbern, silberfarbig and silberfarben are used to describe things that have a silver color or are made of silver.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɪlbɐ/
Did you know?
- In German folklore and early alchemy, Silber was often associated with the moon, just as Gold was linked to the sun.
- The word Silber is used in the German term Silberhochzeit to describe a 25th wedding anniversary.
- In German, you might encounter the adjective silbern in classical poetry or high literature to describe a moonlit landscape or a shimmering object, whereas in everyday speech, it often just means 'silver-colored'.
Examples in context
- Das ist kein Silber.This isn't silver.This sentence is useful for identifying the material Silber.Tatoeba #6645572 by Felixjp, translation #1946303 by CM
- Das Auto ist silber.The car is silver.This sentence shows the use of Silber as an indeclinable adjective for color.Tatoeba #8320572 by MisterTrouser, translation #9510304 by sundown
- Die Münze ist silbern.The coin is silver.This sentence demonstrates how silbern describes the appearance of an object.Tatoeba #2983898 by Zaghawa, translation #2900427 by rul
- Das ist eine wunderschöne Silberkette.This is a beautiful silver necklace.
- Ich habe mir einen Silberring gekauft.I bought myself a silver ring.
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are at an antique shop.
- HannahIst das dort echtes Silber?Is that real silver over there?
- FelixJa, das ist reines Silber.Yes, that is pure silver.
- HannahEs glänzt sehr schön.It shines very beautifully.
- FelixDas ist ein wertvolles Stück.That is a valuable piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silver” translations and entries Silber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
