diameter
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diameter
The longest straight line that connects two points on a circle or the surface of a sphere and passes through the center; also the length of this line segment.
Der Durchmesser des Rohres beträgt genau 5 Zentimeter.
The diameter of the pipe is exactly 5 centimeters.
The word is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'Messer'. Here, 'Messer' is not the cutting tool, but is derived from the verb 'messen' (to measure). So a Durchmesser is literally a 'through-measurer'.
Um den Durchmesser zu bestimmen, muss man genau durch den Mittelpunkt messen.
To determine the diameter, you have to measure exactly through the center.
When stating the size, 'Durchmesser' (diameter) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have) or 'betragen' (to amount to / to be). 'Betragen' is somewhat more formal.
Der Planet hat einen Durchmesser von etwa 12.000 Kilometern.
The planet has a diameter of about 12,000 kilometers.
To state the exact measurement, the preposition 'von' (of) followed by the length is often used. The structure is: 'ein Durchmesser von [number + unit]' (a diameter of [number + unit]).
Wir brauchen ein Rohr mit einem Durchmesser von drei Zentimetern.
We need a pipe with a diameter of three centimeters.
caliber
Durchmesser generally refers to the length of a straight line through the center of a circle. Kaliber is used more specifically for the inner diameter of a gun barrel, for a projectile, and for tubes or wires. With such objects, the same measurement may be meant, but Kaliber is the corresponding technical term.
Der Durchmesser der Lauföffnung beträgt neun Millimeter.
The diameter of the barrel opening is nine millimeters.
Das Kaliber dieser Waffe beträgt neun Millimeter.
The caliber of this weapon is nine millimeters.
