identifier / signal
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identifier
A unique string of characters or code used to identify and authenticate a user, device, or data record in a system. Examples include usernames or device IDs.
Bitte geben Sie Ihre persönliche Kennung und Ihr Passwort ein, um sich anzumelden.
Please enter your personal identifier and your password to log in.
signal
In navigation or aviation, the characteristic light signal of a lighthouse, buoy, or radio beacon used for clear identification. The signal consists of a specific sequence of light and dark phases.
Anhand der Kennung des Leuchtturms konnten die Seeleute ihre Position bestimmen.
Using the lighthouse's signal, the sailors were able to determine their position.
'Kennung' derives from the verb 'kennen' (to know). The suffix '-ung' forms a noun that refers to the result or process of knowing or recognizing. A 'Kennung' (identifier/signal) is therefore something by which someone or something can be recognized.
Jedes Schiff sendet eine eindeutige Kennung aus.
Every ship transmits a unique identifier.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Kennung' (identifier/signal) from the context. In connection with computers, logins, or data, it means a digital ID. In navigation or aviation, it refers to the light signal of a lighthouse or radio beacon.
Für das Online-Banking brauche ich meine Benutzerkennung.
For online banking, I need my user ID.
In an IT context, 'Kennung' (identifier) is often combined with other nouns to form compounds such as 'Benutzerkennung' (user ID), 'Gerätekennung' (device ID), or 'Produktkennung' (product ID). Typical verbs are 'eingeben' (to enter), 'anfordern' (to request), or 'prüfen' (to check).
Sie müssen Ihre persönliche Kennung eingeben, um fortzufahren.
You must enter your personal identifier to continue.
In the meaning of a signal, 'Kennung' (signal) is a technical term from nautical language (navigation) and aeronautics (aviation). In normal everyday life, you will rarely hear this meaning.
Jeder Leuchtturm hat eine international festgelegte Kennung.
Every lighthouse has an internationally defined signal.
license plate / characteristic
Both words can serve to identify something, but they refer to different kinds of features. For a vehicle, Kennzeichen is a visible, officially assigned marking; Kennung is a string of characters or a code in a system. For vehicles, use „Kennzeichen“; for devices or data records, use „Kennung“.
Für die Anmeldung braucht das neue Gerät eine eindeutige Kennung im System.
The new device needs a unique identifier in the system to be registered.
Die Polizei überprüfte das Kennzeichen des geparkten Autos.
The police checked the license plate of the parked car.
