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.
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.
motivation
'die Motivation' and 'die Energiequelle' can both describe what gives someone the strength to act. 'Motivation' is the inner drive or the reason why you want to reach a goal. 'Energiequelle' is meant figuratively in this relationship: it is a person, place, or activity that gives new strength and joy. The words can be confused when talking about personal energy. 'Motivation' names the drive itself more, while 'Energiequelle' names more where this drive or strength comes from.
Für Hannes ist der Spaziergang am See eine wichtige Energiequelle.
For Hannes, a walk by the lake is an important source of energy.
Für die Prüfung braucht Mehmet jeden Tag neue Motivation.
Mehmet needs new motivation every day for the exam.