insulation / isolation
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insulation
The measure or material used to prevent or reduce the transfer of heat, electricity, or sound.
Eine gute Isolierung des Daches spart im Winter Heizkosten.
Good insulation of the roof saves heating costs in winter.
'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).
Man kann ein Haus nachträglich isolieren, um Energie zu sparen.
You can insulate a house later on in order to save energy.
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.
Die Isolierung der Wände schützt vor Lärm von der Straße.
The insulation of the walls protects against noise from the street.
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).
Eine effektive Wärmeisolierung ist bei Neubauten gesetzlich vorgeschrieben.
Effective thermal insulation is required by law in new buildings.
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).
Der Kranke musste für zehn Tage in die Isolierung.
The sick person had to go into isolation for ten days.
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).
Eine beschädigte Isolierung am Föhn kann lebensgefährlich sein.
Damaged insulation on a hair dryer can be life-threatening.
management / line
'die Leitung' and 'die Isolierung' are opposites especially when talking about electricity, heat, or cables. 'die Leitung' describes the conduction of electricity or heat, or also the line or cable through which something runs. 'die Isolierung' is meant to prevent or reduce exactly that. In a cable, the inner part conducts the electricity, while the insulation on the outside protects against it. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear together in technical situations. Memory tip: 'Leitung' lets something through; 'Isolierung' holds it back.
Vor der Reparatur prüft der Elektriker die Isolierung des Kabels.
Before the repair, the electrician checks the insulation of the cable.
Bei diesem Material ist die Leitung von Wärme sehr gut.
With this material, heat conduction is very good.