German silver is an alloy of

German silver, also known as nickel silver, is a copper-based alloy that surprisingly contains no actual silver [t1][t2]. Its name is derived from its silvery-white appearance, which results from the specific combination of its constituent metals [t6][t10]. The standard composition typically consists of approximately 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc [t2]. While variations exist—ranging from 47% to 64% copper, 10% to 25% nickel, and 15% to 42% zinc—the essential components remain copper, zinc, and nickel [t1][t10]. Historically known as 'paktong' in China, it was introduced to the West as a durable and cheaper substitute for pure silver in items like jewelry, coins, and silverware [t2][t6]. Because it lacks silver, it is often used as a base for silver-plated items (EPNS) [t6]. Therefore, the correct alloy composition is copper, zinc, and nickel.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/nickel-silver
2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_silver