capacitor / condenser
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capacitor
A passive electrical component that can store electrical energy in an electric field; a capacitor.
Der Elektriker musste einen defekten Kondensator auf der Hauptplatine austauschen.
The electrician had to replace a defective capacitor on the motherboard.
The term derives from the verb 'kondensieren' (to condense). The ending '-ator' often denotes a device or technical component that performs a specific function. A 'Kondensator' is therefore something that condenses.
Die feuchte Luft kondensiert an der kalten Fensterscheibe.
The moist air condenses on the cold windowpane.
'Kondensator' (capacitor/condenser) is a technical term from physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. It is rarely used in everyday language unless people are talking about specific technical devices.
Für die Reparatur des alten Radios benötigte er einen speziellen Kondensator.
For the repair of the old radio, he needed a special capacitor.
Pay attention to the context to understand the meaning. In electronics, the 'Kondensator' (capacitor) stores electrical energy. In air-conditioning technology or cooling systems, it cools gases in order to liquefy them.
Der Kondensator in der Schaltung ist durchgebrannt.
The capacitor in the circuit has burned out.
battery
'die Batterie' and 'der Kondensator' can both store electrical energy. That is why they can easily be confused, especially in technical texts. A battery stores energy chemically and usually supplies a device with power for a longer time, for example a remote control or a car. A capacitor is an electrical component that stores energy in an electric field and often releases it again very quickly. In everyday language, you usually say 'Batterie'; for individual components in devices or circuits, 'Kondensator' is more precise.
Der Techniker tauscht den defekten Kondensator auf der Platine aus.
The technician replaces the defective capacitor on the circuit board.
Die Batterie der Taschenlampe ist leer, deshalb brauchen wir eine neue.
The flashlight battery is dead, so we need a new one.