hardware
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hardware
The physical, material components of a computer system or other electronic devices, as opposed to software.
Für das neue Computerspiel brauche ich bessere Hardware, vor allem eine neue Grafikkarte.
For the new computer game, I need better hardware, especially a new graphics card.
'Hardware' is a loanword from English. It is made up of 'hard' and 'ware' and refers to the 'solid' physical parts of a system.
Die Software ist nutzlos ohne die passende Hardware.
The software is useless without the right hardware.
'Hardware' is used in German as an uncountable noun (mass noun). People say 'viel Hardware' (a lot of hardware) or 'neuer Hardware' (new hardware), but not 'einer Hardware' or 'zwei Hardwares'.
Für Videobearbeitung braucht man leistungsstarke Hardware.
For video editing, you need powerful hardware.
In an IT context, 'Hardware' is often combined with verbs such as 'aufrüsten' (to upgrade), 'installieren' (to install), or 'kaufen' (to buy). The 'Hardware-Anforderungen' (hardware requirements) of a program are also a common expression.
Ich muss meine Hardware aufrüsten, um die neuen Spiele spielen zu können.
I need to upgrade my hardware so I can play the new games.
Outside IT, 'Hardware' refers to physical equipment in a specific field. The context makes the meaning clear, for example in expressions like 'militärische Hardware' (military hardware) or when tools and machines are being discussed.
Die Armee hat neue militärische Hardware bestellt.
The army has ordered new military hardware.
device / apparatus
'das Gerät' and 'die Hardware' can both mean technical things that you can touch. 'Gerät' is a general word for an apparatus or machine, for example a mobile phone, a printer, or a measuring device. 'Hardware' is used mainly for computers and electronics: it means the physical parts, as opposed to software. Sometimes 'Hardware' is also used more generally for technical equipment, but that sounds more technical. The words can be confused when talking about computers. A laptop is a 'Gerät'; its keyboard, hard drive, and other parts are part of the 'Hardware'.
Die Software läuft langsam, weil die Hardware schon sehr alt ist.
The software runs slowly because the hardware is already very old.
In der Stadt hat Mehmet ein neues Gerät für die Küche gekauft.
In the city, Mehmet bought a new device for the kitchen.