der Apparat
device
A technical device or machine designed for a specific function.
EXAMPLE
Mein alter Fotoapparat funktioniert immer noch einwandfrei.
My old camera still works perfectly.
der Apparat
apparatus / device
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Meanings
der Apparat
apparatus
A large, complex, and often bureaucratic organization or system, for example in the state or in a political party.
EXAMPLE
Es dauert oft lange, bis Anträge durch den bürokratischen Apparat bearbeitet werden.
It often takes a long time for applications to be processed through the bureaucratic apparatus.
der Apparat
system
In biology or medicine, a system of organs that together perform a specific function in the body.
EXAMPLE
Der Verdauungsapparat ist für die Verarbeitung der Nahrung zuständig.
The digestive system is responsible for processing food.
der Apparat
phone
A colloquial, somewhat old-fashioned term for a telephone.
EXAMPLE
Bleib bitte mal kurz am Apparat, ich verbinde Sie.
Please stay on the line for a moment; I'll connect you.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Apparat' is almost always dependent on context. Pay attention to the surrounding words: Is it about technology, politics, biology, or a telephone conversation?
EXAMPLE
Schalten Sie bitte den Apparat aus, bevor Sie den Raum verlassen.
Please turn off the device before leaving the room.
Part of compounds
In the technical meaning, 'Apparat' is often the base word in compound nouns that refer to a specific device.
EXAMPLE
Mein elektrischer Rasierapparat ist kaputt.
My electric razor is broken.
Typical collocations
In a political or social context, 'Apparat' is often used with adjectives like 'bürokratisch' (bureaucratic) or as part of words like 'Staatsapparat' (state apparatus) or 'Verwaltungsapparat' (administrative apparatus).
EXAMPLE
Der riesige Verwaltungsapparat der EU ist schwer zu verstehen.
The huge administrative apparatus of the EU is hard to understand.
Medical terminology
In medicine and biology, 'Apparat' refers to a system of organs. Typical terms are 'Bewegungsapparat' (musculoskeletal system) or 'Verdauungsapparat' (digestive system).
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiger Sport ist gut für den gesamten Bewegungsapparat.
Regular exercise is good for the entire musculoskeletal system.
Register and style
Using 'Apparat' to mean 'Telefon' (telephone) is colloquial and is considered somewhat old-fashioned today. However, the fixed expression 'am Apparat bleiben' (to stay on the line) is still very common.
EXAMPLE
Einen Moment, bitte bleiben Sie am Apparat.
One moment, please stay on the line.
Compare with
Apparat vs Telefon
telephone
For a device used to make telephone calls, Telefon is the neutral and usual term today. Apparat can also refer to a telephone, but in this use it sounds colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned. In normal situations, Telefon is therefore more appropriate, while Apparat is especially found in older or deliberately informal language.
Apparat
Mein Großvater nannte das alte Telefon noch immer seinen Apparat.
My grandfather still called the old phone his apparatus.
Telefon
Bitte stell das Telefon neben den Computer.
Please put the phone next to the computer.
In real life
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