nuclear energy
Loading your saved state.
nuclear energy
Energy that is released through the fission or fusion of atomic nuclei and is used mainly to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.
Die Nutzung der Kernenergie ist wegen der Risiken und der Entsorgung des Atommülls umstritten.
The use of nuclear energy is controversial because of the risks and the disposal of nuclear waste.
The word consists of 'Kern' (nucleus/core) and 'Energie' (energy). Here, 'Kern' refers to the 'Atomkern' (atomic nucleus). So 'Kernenergie' (nuclear energy) is the energy obtained from atomic nuclei.
Die Forschung zur Kernenergie begann Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts.
Research into nuclear energy began in the middle of the 20th century.
In German, the word is often connected with political debates. Common phrases are 'die Nutzung der Kernenergie' (the use of nuclear energy), 'aus der Kernenergie aussteigen' (to phase out nuclear energy), or 'Gegner/Befürworter der Kernenergie' (opponents/supporters of nuclear energy).
Deutschland hat beschlossen, aus der Kernenergie auszusteigen.
Germany decided to phase out nuclear energy.
'Kernenergie' (nuclear energy) is a technical term from physics and engineering, but it is also very common in general written language, especially in news reports and political discussions.
In der Schule lernen wir über die Vor- und Nachteile der Kernenergie.
At school, we're learning about the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
nuclear power
'Atomkraft' and 'Kernenergie' mean almost the same thing in many situations: energy from atomic nuclei, especially for generating electricity. 'Atomkraft' sounds very common in everyday language and political discussions, for example in questions for or against this form of energy. 'Kernenergie' sounds a bit more technical or neutral and fits well in texts about technology, energy, or science. Learners can easily confuse the words because they are often interchangeable. The main difference is style: in conversation, people often say 'Atomkraft'; in factual texts, often 'Kernenergie'.
Der Bericht beschreibt, wie Kernenergie in Kraftwerken zur Stromerzeugung genutzt wird.
The report describes how nuclear energy is used in power plants to generate electricity.
Im Kurs hat Sofia erklärt, warum viele Menschen über Atomkraft streiten.
In the course, Sofia explained why many people argue about nuclear power.