das Gestein
Translation
rock, stone
Examples
Dieses Gestein ist sehr alt.
This rock is very old.
Der Geologe untersucht das Gestein.
The geologist is examining the rock.
Das Gestein enthält Mineralien.
The rock contains minerals.
Grammar Patterns
((the rock)) as subject/object The geologist analyzes the rock.
Similar Words
Synonym: der Fels (rock face); Distinction: Stein (an individual stone), Gestein (rock as a substance)
Etymology
From the collective prefix 'ge-' + 'Stein' (stone). It literally means a collection of stone, referring to rock as a geological material.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ge-' as a collective prefix, like in 'Gebirge' (mountain range). So, 'Gestein' is a collection of 'Stein' (stone), meaning 'rock'.