equipment
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equipment
A collection of devices, tools, or apparatuses needed for a specific purpose. The term is often used in the plural as 'Gerätschaften' and sounds somewhat more formal or comprehensive than 'Geräte' (devices/equipment).
Die Feuerwehr rückte mit schweren Gerätschaften an, um die eingeklemmte Person zu befreien.
The fire department arrived with heavy equipment to free the trapped person.
The word consists of 'Gerät' (device/piece of equipment) and the ending '-schaft'. In German, the ending '-schaft' is often used to refer to a totality or a collective. 'Gerätschaft' is therefore the collection of devices or equipment.
Für die Expedition wurde die gesamte Gerätschaft sorgfältig geprüft.
All the equipment for the expedition was carefully checked.
'Gerätschaft(en)' (equipment) is a rather formal or technical term. It is used for professional equipment, e.g. with the fire department, on construction sites, or in a laboratory, but not for your own kitchen appliances.
Die Bergwacht benötigt spezielle Gerätschaften für die Rettung in den Alpen.
The mountain rescue service needs special equipment for rescues in the Alps.
Although the word in the singular already describes a collection of devices, it is very often used in the plural, 'die Gerätschaften' (the equipment). This emphasizes the variety and quantity of the different tools and apparatuses.
Alle Gerätschaften müssen nach Gebrauch gereinigt und verstaut werden.
All equipment must be cleaned and stored after use.
equipment
Ausrüstung includes all the equipment for an activity, including clothing and other items as well as devices. Gerätschaft refers more specifically to the devices, tools, or apparatuses used for that purpose and is often used in the plural. Ausrüstung is therefore more suitable for a person’s complete equipment.
Die Gerätschaften der Bergretter umfassen Seilwinden, Funkgeräte und spezielle Werkzeuge.
The mountain rescuers’ equipment includes winches, radios, and specialized tools.
Die Ausrüstung der Bergretter umfasst warme Kleidung, Seile und Funkgeräte.
The mountain rescuers’ equipment includes warm clothing, ropes, and radios.
