stretching / elongation
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stretching
The stretching of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in order to improve mobility or prepare for a sports activity.
Vor dem Laufen ist eine gute Dehnung der Beinmuskulatur sehr wichtig.
Before running, good stretching of the leg muscles is very important.
The noun 'die Dehnung' (stretching/elongation) is derived directly from the verb 'dehnen' (to stretch). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or result of the action, a very common pattern in German.
Bitte dehnen Sie sich vor dem Sport gut.
Please stretch well before exercising.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Dehnung' (stretching/elongation) from context. If it is about the body and sports, it means stretching muscles. In connection with materials like rubber or metal, it is about physics. In linguistics, it refers to vowels.
Die Dehnung der Oberschenkelmuskulatur beugt Verletzungen vor.
Stretching the thigh muscles prevents injuries.
In a sports context, 'Dehnung' (stretching) is often used with the verb 'machen' (to do/make) or in fixed combinations. Typical expressions are 'Dehnungsübungen machen' (to do stretching exercises) or specifying what is being stretched, e.g. 'Dehnung der Beine' (stretching of the legs).
Nach dem Joggen mache ich immer eine kurze Dehnung.
After jogging, I always do a short stretch.
In its linguistic meaning, 'Dehnung' (lengthening) is a technical term. In everyday life, you will rarely hear this use unless you are taking a German or phonetics course.
Der Unterschied zwischen „Hölle“ und „Höhle“ liegt in der Dehnung des Vokals.
The difference between 'Hölle' and 'Höhle' lies in the lengthening of the vowel.
tension / suspense / voltage
'die Spannung' and 'die Dehnung' both have to do with pulling or stretching. 'Spannung' describes the state more: a rope, a muscle, or a spring is taut and under tension. 'Dehnung' describes more the process or result of stretching, especially with muscles or material. Learners may confuse the words because stretching often creates tension. In practice: in sports, you do 'eine Dehnung' (a stretch / stretching); afterward, you may feel 'Spannung' (tension) in the muscle.
Vor dem Training macht die Gruppe eine kurze Dehnung der Beine.
Before training, the group does a short leg stretch.
Nach dem langen Sitzen spüre ich eine Spannung im Nacken.
After sitting for a long time, I feel tension in my neck.