faucet / dashboard / reinforcement
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faucet
A device for controlling the flow of liquids or gases, especially the faucet on a washbasin, bathtub, or sink.
Der Klempner hat eine neue Armatur im Badezimmer installiert.
The plumber installed a new faucet in the bathroom.
The word comes from the Latin 'armatura' (equipment). This basic meaning helps explain the different uses: technical equipment for controlling water, an arrangement of displays in a car, or reinforcing equipment in concrete.
Die verchromte Armatur glänzte im Licht.
The chrome-plated faucet gleamed in the light.
The meaning of 'Armatur' is made clear by context. In the bathroom or kitchen, it means the faucet. In a car or aircraft, it refers to the displays and switches. On a construction site, it means the steel reinforcement in concrete.
Im Bad tropft die Armatur.
The faucet is dripping in the bathroom.
In the context of bathrooms and kitchens, 'Armatur' (faucet) is often used with verbs such as 'installieren' (to install), 'austauschen' (to replace), 'reinigen' (to clean), or 'entkalken' (to descale). People also speak of a 'Badarmatur' (bathroom faucet) or 'Küchenarmatur' (kitchen faucet).
Wir müssen die alte Armatur in der Küche austauschen.
We need to replace the old faucet in the kitchen.
When referring to the full set of displays in a vehicle, the plural 'die Armaturen' is often used. This then refers to the entire dashboard.
Der Pilot überprüfte vor dem Start alle Armaturen.
The pilot checked all the instruments before takeoff.
In the meaning 'steel reinforcement', 'Armatur' is a technical term from construction. You will hear this word mainly on construction sites or in conversations with architects and civil engineers.
Die Statik erfordert eine besonders starke Armatur im Fundament.
The structural design requires particularly strong reinforcement in the foundation.
rooster / tap
'der Hahn' and 'die Armatur' can both have to do with water at a washbasin, sink, or bathtub. 'Hahn' usually means the part that water comes out of and that you turn on or off. 'Armatur' sounds more technical and can mean the whole fixture, for example the handle, spout, and other parts together. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday life, people are often talking about the same thing at a sink. In normal conversation, people usually say 'Hahn' or 'Wasserhahn'; for repairs, buying, or installation, 'Armatur' is more precise.
Bei der Renovierung haben wir eine neue Armatur für die Dusche gekauft.
During the renovation, we bought a new fixture for the shower.
Der Hahn in der Küche lässt sich nur schwer zudrehen.
The tap in the kitchen is hard to turn off.