renewable
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renewable
Regenerating itself or growing back within a human time frame so that it is not depleted. The term is mainly used for energy sources such as sun, wind, and water.
Die Regierung fördert den Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien.
The government is promoting the expansion of renewable energies.
The adjective is formed from the verb 'erneuern' (to renew) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' means that something can be done. 'Erneuerbar' therefore literally means 'can be renewed'.
Ist dieser Vertrag nach einem Jahr automatisch erneuerbar?
Is this contract automatically renewable after one year?
The meaning depends heavily on the context. In connection with the environment and technology, it refers to energy and resources. In a legal or business context, it refers to contracts, licenses, or subscriptions.
Man muss zwischen erneuerbaren Energien und erneuerbaren Verträgen unterscheiden.
You have to distinguish between renewable energies and renewable contracts.
In an ecological context, by far the most common combination is 'erneuerbare Energien' (renewable energies). 'Erneuerbare Ressourcen' (renewable resources) and 'erneuerbare Rohstoffe' (renewable raw materials) are also common combinations.
Windkraft und Solarenergie sind die bekanntesten Formen erneuerbarer Energien.
Wind power and solar energy are the best-known forms of renewable energy.
In the administrative or legal meaning, the adjective is typically combined with nouns such as 'Vertrag' (contract), 'Abonnement' (subscription), 'Lizenz' (license), or 'Mitgliedschaft' (membership).
Die Mitgliedschaft im Fitnessstudio ist jährlich erneuerbar.
The gym membership is renewable annually.
sustainable / lasting
'nachhaltig' and 'erneuerbar' are both often connected with the environment and resources. 'nachhaltig' is broader: it describes actions that protect the environment and resources and also work well in the future. 'erneuerbar' is more specific and means that a resource regenerates or is practically not used up, especially with energy from the sun, wind, or water. The words can be confused because renewable energy is often part of sustainable action. But not everything sustainable is automatically renewable, and 'erneuerbar' usually describes the source, not the whole behavior.
Wind und Sonne sind erneuerbare Energiequellen.
Wind and sun are renewable energy sources.
Die Firma möchte nachhaltiger arbeiten und weniger Verpackung benutzen.
The company wants to work more sustainably and use less packaging.