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.
device / apparatus
'das Gerät' and 'die Gerätschaft' both have to do with things you use for a specific task. 'das Gerät' usually means a single technical object, for example a mobile phone, a measuring device, or a machine. 'die Gerätschaft' more often means several devices or tools together and sounds more formal or comprehensive. Learners may confuse the words because both fit technology and equipment. A practical tip: for a single thing, you usually say 'Gerät'; for a whole set of equipment, 'Gerätschaften' is more likely.
Für die Reparatur brachte der Techniker mehrere Gerätschaften mit.
The technician brought several pieces of equipment for the repair.
Kannst du mir zeigen, wie dieses Gerät funktioniert?
Can you show me how this device works?