to patch
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to patch
To repair a hole or damaged spot in an object, usually made of fabric or rubber, with an attached piece of material (a patch).
Mein Fahrradreifen ist platt, ich muss ihn flicken.
My bicycle tire is flat; I need to patch it.
to patch
In information technology, to fix an error in software with a quick, often temporary correction (a patch).
Der Entwickler hat die Sicherheitslücke schnell geflickt.
The developer quickly patched the security vulnerability.
The verb 'flicken' (to patch) is directly related to the noun 'der Flicken' (a small piece of fabric or material). It literally means to repair something with a patch.
Für das Loch in meiner Jeans brauche ich einen Flicken.
I need a patch for the hole in my jeans.
In its original meaning, 'flicken' (to patch) is often used for repairing everyday objects. Typical combinations are: 'einen Reifen flicken' (to patch a tire), 'eine Hose flicken' (to patch a pair of pants), 'ein Zelt flicken' (to patch a tent), or 'ein Netz flicken' (to patch a net).
Kannst du das Loch in meiner Jacke flicken?
Can you patch the hole in my jacket?
You can recognize the technical meaning from words from the IT world. When 'Software' (software), 'Code' (code), 'Programm' (program), or 'Sicherheitslücke' (security vulnerability) is mentioned, 'flicken' means fixing an error.
Die Entwickler müssen den Fehler im Code schnell flicken.
The developers need to patch the error in the code quickly.
to repair
Both words can make a damaged thing usable again. „Reparieren“ is the general term and can refer to various kinds of repair, while „flicken“ specifically refers to a quick, often temporary repair of a damaged spot using a piece of material. For a hole in fabric, „flicken“ is therefore especially appropriate.
Die Schneiderin flickt das Loch in der Jacke mit einem Stück Stoff.
The seamstress patches the hole in the jacket with a piece of fabric.
Die Schneiderin repariert die beschädigte Jacke sorgfältig.
The seamstress carefully repairs the damaged jacket.
