delta
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delta
A type of river mouth in which the river splits into several branches and deposits sediment, often creating a triangular shape.
Das Nildelta ist eine der fruchtbarsten Regionen Ägyptens.
The Nile Delta is one of the most fertile regions of Egypt.
The word comes from the Greek letter delta (Δ). The geographical meaning of a river delta is derived directly from the triangular shape of this letter.
Die Form des Mündungsgebiets erinnert an den griechischen Buchstaben Delta.
The shape of the river mouth area resembles the Greek letter delta.
The context makes the meaning clear. Words like 'Fluss' (river), 'Mündung' (river mouth), or 'fruchtbar' (fertile) point to geography (m01). Terms from 'Mathematik' (mathematics), 'Physik' (physics), or 'Wirtschaft' (business/economics) indicate the meaning 'Differenz' (difference) (m02, m03).
Das Delta des Mekong ist sehr groß und bevölkerungsreich.
The delta of the Mekong is very large and densely populated.
In business and project language, 'Delta' is frequently used to name the difference or deviation between two values, e.g., between a plan and the result.
Das Delta zwischen den geplanten Kosten und den tatsächlichen Ausgaben ist zu hoch.
The delta between the planned costs and the actual expenses is too high.
difference
'der Unterschied' and 'das Delta' can both mean a difference between two values or states. 'Unterschied' is the normal everyday word and fits almost always when two things are not the same. 'Delta' is more specific. In mathematics, the natural sciences, or business, it is often used for a change or the gap between numbers, goals, or results. Learners may confuse the words because 'Delta' sometimes really does mean 'difference'. In everyday language, however, 'Delta' usually sounds technical. If you are speaking generally about things being different, 'Unterschied' is more natural. With numbers, reports, or calculations, 'Delta' can be more precise.
Im Büro besprechen wir das Delta zwischen dem geplanten Budget und den echten Kosten.
At the office, we discuss the delta between the planned budget and the actual costs.
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Preisen ist größer, als ich gedacht habe.
The difference between the two prices is bigger than I thought.