antenna
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antenna
A technical device for sending and receiving electromagnetic waves, for example for radio, television, or mobile communications.
Für einen besseren Radioempfang im Auto muss man manchmal die Antenne ausfahren.
For better radio reception in the car, you sometimes have to extend the antenna.
antenna / feeler
A long, thin sensory organ on the head of insects or crustaceans, used for touching, smelling, or sensing.
Der Käfer tastete mit seinen Antennen vorsichtig den Boden ab.
The beetle carefully felt the ground with its antennae.
sensitivity / feel
In a figurative sense, a fine instinct or special sensitivity for certain situations, moods, or developments.
Sie hat eine feine Antenne für die Bedürfnisse ihrer Kunden.
She has a fine feel for the needs of her customers.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Antenne' (antenna) from the context. If it is about technology, radio, or reception, the technical device is meant. In connection with insects or animals, it means feelers or antennae. If people are talking about feelings or moods, it means instinct or sensitivity.
Ohne Antenne habe ich hier keinen Handyempfang.
Without an antenna, I have no cell phone reception here.
In the technical sense, an antenna is often 'installiert' (installed), 'ausgerichtet' (aligned), or 'eingestellt' (adjusted). With older devices, you can also 'ausfahren' (extend) or 'einklappen' (fold in) it.
Wir müssen die Satelliten-Antenne auf dem Dach neu ausrichten.
We need to realign the satellite antenna on the roof.
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'eine (feine/gute) Antenne für etwas haben' (to have a fine/good feel for something). 'Etwas' (something) is in the accusative.
Als Lehrerin hat sie eine feine Antenne für die Probleme ihrer Schüler.
As a teacher, she has a fine feel for her students' problems.
feel / intuition
Antenne and Gespür can both refer to a keen awareness of moods or developments. Antenne is used figuratively, usually in expressions such as „eine Antenne für etwas haben“. Gespür is the neutral term for this intuitive ability.
Die Teamleiterin hat eine feine Antenne für Spannungen unter den Kollegen.
The team leader has a keen feel for tensions among her colleagues.
Die Teamleiterin hat ein feines Gespür für Spannungen unter den Kollegen.
The team leader has a keen intuition for tensions among her colleagues.
