noun
bad luck, tar
B1
Pech denotes either bad luck or tar. As a neuter noun (das Pech) it’s uncountable with no plural form; genitive des Pechs. Common idiom: Pech haben (to be unlucky). Context determines meaning: everyday misfortune (bad luck) or the substance (tar, pitch).
Examples
Der Wanderer hatte Pech, weil sein Zelt durch den Sturm nass wurde.
The hiker had bad luck because his tent was soaked by the storm.
Er hatte Pech und hat den Bus verpasst.
He was unlucky and missed the bus.
Die Arbeiter reparierten das Dach mit flüssigem Pech.
The workers repaired the roof with liquid tar.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone who slips on a patch of black tar — bad luck and literally 'Pech' (tar).
das — imagine a neutral lump of black tar in a small container (a 'thing' called Pech).
Notes
Commonly used as a mass noun meaning 'bad luck' (Pech haben). Also an older meaning is 'pitch' or 'tar' as a substance. | Singular-only noun; plural forms are not applicable.