error
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error
A term borrowed from English for an error message, a disruption, or a malfunction in a computer system or another technical device.
Mein Computer zeigt ständig einen Error an und stürzt dann ab.
My computer keeps displaying an error and then crashes.
'Error' is a word borrowed directly from English. In German, it is used mainly in specialized fields such as IT or statistics.
Bei der Installation trat ein unerwarteter Error auf.
An unexpected error occurred during installation.
In an IT context, 'Error' is often combined with verbs such as 'anzeigen' (to display), 'bekommen' (to get), 'verursachen' (to cause), or 'beheben' (to fix). It is a synonym for an error message.
Kannst du mir helfen, diesen Error zu beheben?
Can you help me fix this error?
Outside IT, 'Error' is used as a technical term in science, for example in statistics. There, it describes a deviation or measurement error.
Die Forscher berechneten den möglichen statistischen Error ihrer Messung.
The researchers calculated the possible statistical error of their measurement.
mistake / error
'der Fehler' and 'der Error' can both mean that something is not working correctly or deviates from the expected result. 'der Fehler' is the normal German word and fits with people, texts, decisions, devices, and many everyday situations. 'der Error' comes from English and sounds mainly technical or specialized. You often see it with computers, programs, or measured values. Learners may confuse the words because both express that 'something is wrong'. In everyday language, 'Fehler' is almost always more natural; 'Error' fits more with technology or specific specialist contexts.
Beim Start des Programms erscheint ein Error auf dem Bildschirm.
When the program starts, an error appears on the screen.
In der Rechnung ist ein Fehler, deshalb stimmt der Betrag nicht.
There is a mistake in the invoice, so the amount is not correct.