die Isolierung
insulation
The measure or material used to prevent or reduce the transfer of heat, electricity, or sound.
EXAMPLE
Eine gute Isolierung des Daches spart im Winter Heizkosten.
Good insulation of the roof saves heating costs in winter.
die Isolierung
insulation / isolation
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Meanings
die Isolierung
isolation
The separation of a person or group from others, often for medical, social, or political reasons.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der ansteckenden Krankheit musste der Patient in die Isolierung.
Because of the contagious disease, the patient had to go into isolation.
die Isolierung
insulation
The non-conductive covering of an electrical cable that protects against electric shocks.
EXAMPLE
Die Isolierung des alten Kabels war brüchig geworden und musste ersetzt werden.
The insulation of the old cable had become brittle and had to be replaced.
Usage tips
Word family
'Isolierung' (insulation/isolation) is a noun derived from the verb 'isolieren' (to insulate/to isolate). The ending '-ung' turns the action (isolieren) into a thing (die Isolierung).
EXAMPLE
Man kann ein Haus nachträglich isolieren, um Energie zu sparen.
You can insulate a house later on in order to save energy.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: in construction, it is about heat or sound; in medicine, about separating patients; and in electrical engineering, about protection from electricity.
EXAMPLE
Die Isolierung der Wände schützt vor Lärm von der Straße.
The insulation of the walls protects against noise from the street.
Typical collocations
In the technical sense, 'Isolierung' (insulation) is often combined with adjectives such as 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (poor), or 'effektiv' (effective). People also speak of 'Wärmeisolierung' (thermal insulation) or 'Schallisolierung' (sound insulation).
EXAMPLE
Eine effektive Wärmeisolierung ist bei Neubauten gesetzlich vorgeschrieben.
Effective thermal insulation is required by law in new buildings.
Sentence structure with 'in'
When it is about separating people, the preposition 'in' is used. Movement to that place is 'in die Isolierung' (into isolation, accusative), while the state of being there is 'in der Isolierung' (in isolation, dative).
EXAMPLE
Der Kranke musste für zehn Tage in die Isolierung.
The sick person had to go into isolation for ten days.
Electrical context
In connection with electricity, insulation is often described as 'beschädigt' (damaged), 'defekt' (faulty), or 'brüchig' (brittle). Its function is 'Schutz vor Stromschlag' (protection against electric shock).
EXAMPLE
Eine beschädigte Isolierung am Föhn kann lebensgefährlich sein.
Damaged insulation on a hair dryer can be life-threatening.
Compare with
Isolierung vs Isolation
isolation / insulation
Both words can refer to separation from other people. Isolation tends to emphasize the resulting state of being cut off, while Isolierung tends to emphasize the separation as an intentional measure or process. Isolation is therefore appropriate for living without contact, while Isolierung is better for deliberately separating someone or something.
Isolierung
Die gezielte Isolierung der Studentin durch die Gruppe belastete sie sehr.
The group’s deliberate isolation of the student affected her deeply.
Isolation
Die lange Isolation von ihren Freunden belastete die Studentin sehr.
The student was deeply affected by the long period of isolation from her friends.
In real life
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