electronic
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electronic
Functioning or controlled with the help of electronics, that is, with components such as transistors, integrated circuits, and microchips.
Ein modernes Auto enthält unzählige elektronische Steuergeräte.
A modern car contains countless electronic control units.
The adjective 'elektronisch' (electronic) is derived directly from the noun 'die Elektronik' (electronics). Anything that has to do with this technology can be described as 'elektronisch' (electronic).
Ohne die Erfindung der Elektronik gäbe es heute keine Computer.
Without the invention of electronics, there would be no computers today.
This meaning refers to physical hardware. Typical combinations are 'elektronische Bauteile' (electronic components), 'ein elektronisches Gerät' (an electronic device), or 'eine elektronische Schaltung' (an electronic circuit).
Der Techniker prüft die elektronischen Bauteile der Maschine.
The technician checks the machine's electronic components.
In this meaning, it describes processes and data. It is often found in fixed expressions such as 'elektronische Post' (email), 'elektronische Rechnung' (electronic invoice), or 'auf elektronischem Weg' (electronically / by electronic means).
Immer mehr Firmen versenden Rechnungen nur noch auf elektronischem Weg.
More and more companies send invoices only electronically.
In a musical context, 'elektronisch' (electronic) describes the way sound is produced. Common combinations are 'elektronische Musik' (electronic music), 'elektronische Klänge' (electronic sounds), and 'ein elektronisches Instrument' (an electronic instrument).
Der Synthesizer ist ein klassisches elektronisches Instrument.
The synthesizer is a classic electronic instrument.
online
'online' and 'elektronisch' can both have to do with digital media. You use 'online' when something is connected to the internet or happens on the internet. 'elektronisch' is more general: it often means that something happens digitally or through a device, but not necessarily on the internet. That is why an invoice can be 'elektronisch' even if you receive it as a file on a computer. If a connection to the internet is important, 'online' is more precise.
Die Fahrkarte ist elektronisch und wird auf dem Handy gespeichert.
The ticket is electronic and is stored on the phone.
In der Pause prüfe ich online, ob der Termin noch frei ist.
During the break, I check online whether the appointment is still available.