German silver is a popular alloy used in making silverware and other decorative items. It is composed of copper, nickel, and zinc, and has a silver-like appearance. There are several synonyms to this alloy, such as nickel silver, alpacca, new silver, and white copper. Nickel silver is perhaps the most widely recognized synonym for German silver. It is also sometimes referred to as alpacca, from the Spanish word alpaca, which was used to describe silver-like metals imported from South America. New silver and white copper are other common names given to German silver, which often depend on the application or region of use. Regardless of the name, German silver remains a popular choice for creating beautiful and durable silverware and ornaments.