Element

See also: element and élément

German

From Middle High German element, from Latin elementum (see further etymology there).

Element n (strong, genitive Elementes or Elements, plural Elemente)

(chemistry) element
element; essential component
(chiefly in the plural) force of nature; the elements
Die Elemente schienen sich gegen die Schiffsbesatzung verschworen zu haben.
The elements seemed to have conspired against the ship’s crew.
(chiefly in the plural and with adjectives) a person, especially viewed as a member of a destructive or criminal group or movement
Unter den Anhängern dieses Vereins gibt es gewaltbereite Elemente.
Among the supporters of this club there are individuals who are prone to violence.

Wir stehen hier kriminellen Elementen gegenüber, die genau wissen, was sie tun.
We are faced in this with criminal people (or simply: criminals) who know exactly what they are doing.

Declension of Element [neuter, strong]

¹Now rare, see notes.