information source
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information source
A person, document, website, or other medium from which one obtains information or knowledge.
Für ihre Recherche nutzte die Journalistin mehrere vertrauliche Informationsquellen.
For her research, the journalist used several confidential information sources.
This word is made up of 'die Information' (information) and 'die Quelle' (source). So it literally means 'a source from which information comes', which makes the meaning very transparent.
Das Internet ist eine riesige, aber nicht immer verlässliche Informationsquelle.
The internet is a huge, but not always reliable, information source.
Common adjectives are 'zuverlässige' (reliable), 'sichere' (secure/safe), 'glaubwürdige' (credible), or 'anonyme' (anonymous) information sources. Typical verbs are to 'nutzen' (use), 'prüfen' (check), 'angeben' (state/list), or 'zitieren' (quote/cite) an information source.
Für eine wissenschaftliche Arbeit muss man alle Informationsquellen genau angeben.
For an academic paper, you must list all information sources precisely.
The term is especially important in journalism, academia, and any kind of research. Correctly evaluating and citing information sources is a key skill there.
Der Journalist schützt seine Informationsquelle und verrät den Namen nicht.
The journalist protects his information source and does not reveal the name.
source
'die Quelle' and 'die Informationsquelle' can both mean the place or person from which you get information. 'die Informationsquelle' is more specific and immediately makes it clear that it is about knowledge or news. 'die Quelle' is shorter and very common, but it can also mean water, energy, or an origin. For this reason, learners may confuse the words. If the context is not clear, 'Informationsquelle' is clearer; in texts about research, 'Quelle' is often enough.
Für die Prüfung nutzt Lena eine zuverlässige Informationsquelle im Internet.
For the exam, Lena uses a reliable information source on the internet.
Der Schüler schreibt die Quelle unter sein Referat.
The student writes the source under his presentation.