energy source
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energy source
A natural raw material or a technical system from which energy can be obtained. Examples include the sun, wind, coal, or nuclear power.
Erneuerbare Energiequellen wie Sonne und Wind werden immer wichtiger.
Renewable energy sources such as the sun and wind are becoming increasingly important.
source of energy
In a figurative sense, a person, activity, or place that gives someone strength, motivation, or joy in life.
Für mich ist die Musik eine wichtige Energiequelle nach einem anstrengenden Tag.
For me, music is an important source of energy after a tiring day.
The word is clearly made up of 'die Energie' (energy) and 'die Quelle' (source). So it literally means a source from which you get energy.
Wasserkraft ist eine traditionelle Energiequelle.
Hydropower is a traditional energy source.
The meaning is usually clear: In a technical or scientific context (e.g. with 'fossil' (fossil), 'erneuerbar' (renewable)), the technical source is meant. In a personal context (e.g. with 'Musik' (music), 'Natur' (nature), 'Freunde' (friends)), the figurative meaning is meant.
Kohle ist eine fossile Energiequelle.
Coal is a fossil energy source.
In the technical sense, 'Energiequelle' (energy source) is often combined with certain adjectives. Common phrases include 'erneuerbare' (renewable), 'alternative' (alternative), 'fossile' (fossil), 'nachhaltige' (sustainable), or 'nukleare' (nuclear) energy sources.
Die Regierung fördert den Ausbau alternativer Energiequellen.
The government is promoting the expansion of alternative energy sources.
In the figurative meaning, the preposition 'für' (for) is often used to indicate who something gives strength to. The structure is then: 'Etwas ist eine Energiequelle für jemanden' (Something is a source of energy for someone).
Gute Gespräche mit Freunden sind für mich eine unerschöpfliche Energiequelle.
Good conversations with friends are an inexhaustible source of energy for me.
energy carrier
Energieträger and Energiequelle can both refer to something from which energy for use comes. Energiequelle tends to emphasize the origin from which energy is obtained, while Energieträger emphasizes the substance or system that stores energy and releases it again. In some examples, such as coal, both perspectives are possible.
Die Sonne ist eine Energiequelle, aus der wir Energie gewinnen können.
The sun is an energy source from which we can obtain energy.
Wasserstoff kann als Energieträger Energie speichern und später wieder abgeben.
Hydrogen can store energy as an energy carrier and release it again later.
