batch / bit part / rank
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batch
A specific quantity of a product that is made in a single production run.
Die gesamte Charge Joghurt musste wegen eines Produktionsfehlers zurückgerufen werden.
The entire batch of yogurt had to be recalled because of a production defect.
'Die Charge' is a false friend of the English word 'charge'. It does not mean 'cost', 'fee', 'accusation', or 'electric charge'. The German meanings are very specific and refer to production, theater, or the military.
Die Chargennummer finden Sie auf dem Deckel des Produkts.
You can find the batch number on the lid of the product.
The word 'Charge' is rather technical in all of its meanings. It is rarely used in normal everyday conversation.
Der Logistikleiter prüft die ausgehende Charge.
The logistics manager checks the outgoing batch.
In the field of production and industry, 'Charge' (batch) refers to a quantity that was produced in one operation. An important word in this context is 'Chargennummer' (batch number), which is used for identification.
Wegen eines Fehlers musste die gesamte Charge zurückgerufen werden.
Because of a defect, the entire batch had to be recalled.
When theater, opera, or film is being discussed, 'Charge' (bit part) means a small, insignificant supporting role, often even without lines. Typical verbs are 'spielen' (to play) or 'übernehmen' (to take on).
Als junger Schauspieler hat er am Anfang nur Chargen gespielt.
As a young actor, he only played bit parts at the beginning.
In a military or administrative context, 'Charge' (rank) refers to a service rank or level of rank. It is often used with verbs such as 'bekleiden' (to hold) or 'innehaben' (to occupy/hold).
Er hat eine hohe Charge im Verteidigungsministerium inne.
He holds a high rank in the Ministry of Defense.
series
'die Serie' and 'die Charge' can both have to do with the manufacturing of products. In this context, 'die Serie' means that a product is manufactured in larger quantities according to the same pattern. 'die Charge' means a specific quantity from a single production run. The words can be confused because both appear in factories, laboratories, or product contexts. In practical terms: a 'Serie' describes more the type of production or a product model; a 'Charge' describes a concrete quantity that was produced together.
Die Apotheke prüft jede Charge des Medikaments vor dem Verkauf.
The pharmacy checks every batch of the medication before selling it.
Das neue Fahrradmodell geht nächste Woche in Serie.
The new bicycle model goes into series production next week.