motion detector
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motion detector
An electronic device that detects movement in its surroundings and then triggers a signal, for example to turn on a light or activate an alarm.
Der Bewegungsmelder im Flur schaltet das Licht automatisch an, wenn jemand den Raum betritt.
The motion detector in the hallway automatically turns on the light when someone enters the room.
The word is made up of 'Bewegung' (movement) and 'Melder' (detector/reporter). A 'Melder' is a device that reports or signals something (from the verb 'melden' (to report)). A 'Bewegungsmelder' (motion detector) is therefore literally a device that reports movement.
Ein Bewegungsmelder kann die Sicherheit eines Hauses erhöhen.
A motion detector can increase the security of a house.
A 'Bewegungsmelder' (motion detector) is often associated with the actions it triggers. Typical verbs are 'einen Alarm auslösen' (to trigger an alarm), 'das Licht einschalten' (to turn on the light), or 'auf eine Bewegung reagieren' (to react to movement).
Der Bewegungsmelder hat sofort einen lauten Alarm ausgelöst.
The motion detector immediately triggered a loud alarm.
When talking about installation, the verbs 'installieren' (to install) or 'anbringen' (to mount/attach) are often used. The location is usually mentioned as well, e.g. 'an der Wand' (on the wall), 'unter der Decke' (under/on the ceiling), or 'im Eingangsbereich' (in the entrance area).
Wir sollten einen Bewegungsmelder an der Haustür anbringen.
We should mount a motion detector by the front door.