German word

Porzellan

Pronunciation

IPA/pɔʁt͡sɛˈlaːn/

Meaning

  • neuter nounporcelain

Example

Unser Porzellan ist zerbrechlich.

Our porcelain is fragile.

Illustration for Porzellan (porcelain)

More examples

Die Auktion bot antikes Porzellan aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.

The auction offered antique porcelain from the 18th century.

Core concept

A cool, glossy white cup or figurine with edges that may glow slightly when held to light.

Common phrases

  • Porzellangeschirr

    porcelain tableware

  • antikes Porzellan

    antique porcelain

Similar words

Keramik: A broad class of ceramic materials made by firing clay for many uses.
Feinporzellan: High-grade porcelain that is especially thin, finely finished, and slightly translucent.
Geschirr: Dishes and other vessels used for serving or eating meals.

Definition in German

Porzellan bezeichnet eine feine, glatte Keramik mit weißer, oft durchscheinender Oberfläche, die für Geschirr, Figuren und Dekoration verwendet wird.

Word origin

Porzellan comes through Italian porcellana, meaning 'cowrie shell', whose glossy appearance was associated with the fine ceramic imported from China.

Usage tips

  • Porzellan is neuter, so the usual form is das Porzellan; it usually names the material, while individual items appear in compounds such as Porzellantasse.

Other meanings

  • chinanoun

Related words

  • Porzellansammlungporcelain collectionnoun
  • Porzellanmalereiporcelain paintingnoun

Word lists with this word