‘German silver’ is used to make decorative articles, coinage metal, ornaments etc. The name is given because :

German silver, also known as nickel silver, is a metallic alloy primarily composed of copper, nickel, and zinc. Despite its name, it contains 0% silver. The alloy was developed as a cost-effective substitute for pure silver because its silver-white appearance closely mimics the aesthetic of the precious metal. It typically consists of approximately 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. The name 'German silver' was popularized in the 19th century after German metalworkers refined the alloy, which had earlier origins in China as 'paktong'. Because it is durable, corrosion-resistant, and visually indistinguishable from silver to the untrained eye, it is widely used for decorative articles, cutlery, musical instruments, and ornaments. Therefore, the name is derived solely from its physical appearance rather than its chemical composition.