insulation
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insulation
A material or layer used to protect a building from heat loss or cold (thermal insulation) or to reduce sound (sound insulation).
Eine gute Dämmung des Daches hilft, im Winter Heizkosten zu sparen.
Good roof insulation helps save heating costs in winter.
The noun 'Dämmung' (insulation) is derived from the verb 'dämmen' (to insulate). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that can refer both to the process ('das Dämmen'—insulating) and to the result (the insulating material).
Wir müssen die Wände besser dämmen, um Energie zu sparen.
We need to insulate the walls better to save energy.
You can tell from context whether the material or the process is meant. If people are talking about properties such as thickness or type of material, 'Dämmung' (insulation) means the material. If it is about execution or duration, it refers to the process.
Die Dämmung besteht aus einem modernen, umweltfreundlichen Material.
The insulation consists of a modern, environmentally friendly material.
To specify what something is being insulated against, 'Dämmung' (insulation) is often used in compounds. The most common are 'Wärmedämmung' (thermal insulation, against cold/heat) and 'Schalldämmung' (sound insulation, against noise).
Eine gute Schalldämmung ist in Wohnungen an lauten Straßen sehr wichtig.
Good sound insulation is very important in apartments on noisy streets.
When 'Dämmung' (insulation work) is described as a process, typical verbs are 'anbringen' (to apply/install), 'einbauen' (to install), 'erneuern' (to renew), or 'verbessern' (to improve).
Nächstes Jahr wollen wir eine neue Dämmung an der Fassade anbringen.
Next year we want to install new insulation on the facade.
isolation / insulation
'Isolation' and 'Dämmung' can both mean, in technical contexts, that heat, cold, or sound does not pass through easily. 'Dämmung' is used especially for buildings, walls, roofs, or rooms. It is often about material that keeps heat in or reduces noise. 'Isolation' is more general and can also fit for electricity or other kinds of technical shielding. Learners may confuse the words because you sometimes hear both when talking about houses. When it is about a house, a wall, or noise, 'Dämmung' usually sounds more natural. When it is more generally about shielding, especially also with electricity, 'Isolation' fits better.
Mein Vater verbessert im Herbst die Dämmung des Daches.
My father is improving the roof insulation in the fall.
Bei diesem Kabel ist die Isolation beschädigt, deshalb darf man es nicht benutzen.
The insulation on this cable is damaged, so it must not be used.