detector
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detector
A technical device or sensor constructed to detect and indicate the presence of certain substances, radiation, signals, or objects.
Der Rauchmelder an der Decke ist ein wichtiger Detektor für den Brandschutz.
The smoke alarm on the ceiling is an important detector for fire safety.
'Detektor' (detector) belongs to the word family of the verb 'detektieren' (to detect), which means 'entdecken' (to discover) or 'aufspüren' (to track down). So a detector is the device that detects something.
Die Polizei konnte mit einem speziellen Gerät Drogen im Auto detektieren.
The police were able to detect drugs in the car with a special device.
'Detektor' (detector) is often the second part of a compound noun. The first part describes what the detector finds, for example 'Rauchdetektor' (smoke detector), 'Metalldetektor' (metal detector), or 'Lügendetektor' (lie detector).
Am Flughafen muss jeder durch einen Metalldetektor gehen.
At the airport, everyone has to go through a metal detector.
When 'Detektor' (detector) stands alone, the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative are often used to explain what it detects. The structure is: 'ein Detektor für etwas' (a detector for something).
Dieses Gerät ist ein hochempfindlicher Detektor für giftige Gase.
This device is a highly sensitive detector for toxic gases.
recipient / receiver
'Empfänger' and 'Detektor' can both be technical devices that pick up or notice something. The difference lies in their purpose: an 'Empfänger' receives a signal and makes it usable, for example in radio or wireless communication. A 'Detektor' detects whether something specific is present, such as smoke, metal, or radiation, and indicates it. The words can be confused because both work with signals. In practice: if a device receives and processes a signal, 'Empfänger' fits. If it is meant to discover or detect something, 'Detektor' fits.
Am Eingang prüft ein Detektor, ob jemand Metall bei sich trägt.
At the entrance, a detector checks whether anyone is carrying metal.
Der Empfänger im Radio findet den Sender heute nur schlecht.
The receiver in the radio is having trouble picking up the station today.