dynamo
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dynamo
A device that generates electric current through mechanical movement, especially the small generator for the light on a bicycle.
Mein Dynamo am Fahrrad ist kaputt, deshalb funktioniert das Licht nicht.
My bicycle dynamo is broken, so the light doesn't work.
Dynamo
A name frequently used by sports clubs, especially in Eastern Europe, and originally pointing to a connection with security organizations or the electrical industry.
Er ist seit seiner Kindheit ein großer Fan von Dynamo Dresden.
He has been a big fan of Dynamo Dresden since childhood.
dynamo
A very energetic, active, and driving person.
Mit ihrer unermüdlichen Art ist sie der Dynamo unseres Teams.
With her tireless nature, she is the dynamo of our team.
The word 'Dynamo' comes from the Greek word 'dýnamis', which means 'strength' or 'power'. This basic idea of generating power connects all meanings: the electricity generator, the powerful sports club, and the energetic person.
Die Wasserkraft des Flusses wird zur Stromerzeugung genutzt.
The water power of the river is used to generate electricity.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Dynamo' from context. If it is about a 'Fahrrad' (bicycle) and 'Licht' (light), the generator is meant. In connection with 'Sport' (sports), 'Fußball' (soccer), or the name of a city, it is the club. If the word describes a person, it has the figurative meaning.
Wenn dein Fahrradlicht nicht geht, ist vielleicht der Dynamo kaputt.
If your bicycle light isn't working, maybe the dynamo is broken.
In the technical sense, 'Dynamo' is often associated with a bicycle. Typical sentences contain words like 'Fahrrad' (bicycle), 'Licht' (light), 'Kabel' (cable), or verbs like 'antreiben' (to drive) and 'erzeugen' (to generate).
Bei Regen funktioniert mein alter Dynamo oft nicht richtig.
In the rain, my old dynamo often doesn't work properly.
When a person is called a 'Dynamo' (dynamo), it is a big compliment. It means that this person is very energetic and motivates others with their energy and drive.
Seit sie im Team ist, ist die ganze Abteilung viel motivierter – sie ist ein echter Dynamo.
Since she joined the team, the whole department has been much more motivated—she is a real dynamo.
generator
A Dynamo is a generator that produces electricity through movement. In everyday language, Dynamo is especially the usual term for the small device on a bicycle. Generator is the more general technical term and also applies to larger machines in other areas.
Am Fahrrad erzeugt der Dynamo den Strom für das Licht.
The dynamo on the bicycle generates the electricity for the light.
Im Kraftwerk erzeugt der Generator den Strom für viele Haushalte.
At the power plant, the generator produces electricity for many households.
