German word

Bergbau

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɛɐ̯kˌbaʊ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmining

Example

Im Bergbau gibt es strenge Sicherheitsregeln.

Strict safety regulations apply in mining.

Illustration for Bergbau (mining)

More examples

Illegaler Bergbau verursacht oft schwere Schäden an der Natur.

Illegal mining often causes serious damage to nature.

Core concept

An industrial mining site with shafts, machinery, workers, and the surrounding underground and surface operations.

Common phrases

  • illegaler Bergbau

    illegal mining

  • ökologischer Bergbau

    ecological mining

  • Bergbau in Entwicklungsländern

    mining in developing countries

Similar words

Bergwerk: A mine with buildings and facilities for extracting resources underground or in the open.
Grube: A deep hole or excavation site below ground or at the surface.
Bergmann: A worker who extracts or transports materials in a mine.
Tagebau: A method or site of extracting resources by removing the surface layer.

Definition in German

Die Tätigkeit und Branche des Abbaus von Erzen, Kohle und sonstigen Bodenschätzen.

Word origin

Bergbau combines Berg ('mountain') with Bau, an older use of bauen referring to organized work or an undertaking rather than construction.

Usage tips

  • Bergbau is masculine and usually an industry term without a plural; specific methods include Tagebau ('open-pit mining') and Untertagebau ('underground mining').

Other meanings

  • mining industrynoun
  • mineral extractionnoun

Related words

  • Bergbaugesetzmining lawnoun
  • Bergbautechnikmining technologynoun

Word lists with this word