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.
'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.
address
'Adresse' and 'Kennung' can both be unique pieces of information for something in a technical system. An 'Adresse' usually shows where something can be reached, for example an email address or IP address. A 'Kennung' is used more to clearly identify someone or something, or to log in to a system, for example a username or device ID. The words can be confusing because both can consist of letters or numbers. As a simple guideline: 'Adresse' asks about the digital location or contact, while 'Kennung' asks about the identity in the system.
Vor der Reise notiert er die Kennung für das Online-Konto.
Before the trip, he writes down the identifier for the online account.
Zu Hause prüfe ich, ob die E-Mail-Adresse für die Familie richtig gespeichert ist.
At home, I check whether the email address for the family is saved correctly.