convergence
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convergence
A general process of moving closer together, becoming more similar, or reaching agreement among opinions, developments, or systems.
Man beobachtet eine zunehmende Konvergenz der Lebensstile in Europa.
One can observe an increasing convergence of lifestyles in Europe.
The word comes from the Latin verb 'convergere' (to incline toward each other, to converge). The ending '-enz' forms an abstract noun, as with many loanwords, and describes a process or state.
Die Konvergenz zweier Flüsse führt zu einem größeren Strom.
The convergence of two rivers leads to a larger river.
'Konvergenz' (convergence) is a technical term from academia and formal language. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
In der Studie wird die Konvergenz der politischen Systeme untersucht.
The study examines the convergence of political systems.
To describe what is converging, the preposition 'von' (+ dative) or 'zwischen' (+ dative) is often used. Alternatively, the genitive can also be used.
Wir beobachten eine Konvergenz von Technologie und Design.
We are observing a convergence of technology and design.
Since 'Konvergenz' (convergence) has a specific meaning in many fields, the thematic context is crucial. Words like 'Medien' (media), 'Reihe' (series, in mathematics), or 'Arten' (species, in biology) signal which meaning is intended.
In der Biologie ist die Entwicklung von Flügeln bei Vögeln und Insekten ein Beispiel für Konvergenz.
In biology, the development of wings in birds and insects is an example of convergence.
In the field of technology and media, people often speak of 'Konvergenz der Medien' (media convergence), 'Konvergenz der Netze' (network convergence), or 'technologische Konvergenz' (technological convergence).
Das Smartphone ist das beste Beispiel für die Konvergenz von Telekommunikation und Computertechnik.
The smartphone is the best example of the convergence of telecommunications and computer technology.
integration
'die Integration' and 'die Konvergenz' can both have to do with things coming closer together. The most important difference is the focus. 'Integration' is used when different parts are inserted into a shared system and then function as a unit. 'Konvergenz' more often means that developments, opinions, or systems move closer together or become more similar. In technology and media, it can also refer to the merging of different technologies. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like 'coming together'. A practical guide: with 'Integration', something is built in; with 'Konvergenz', something becomes more similar or moves toward something else.
Bei Smartphones sieht man die Konvergenz von Telefon, Kamera und Internet sehr deutlich.
In smartphones, the convergence of phone, camera, and internet is very clear.
Die Integration der neuen Software in das alte System hat länger gedauert als geplant.
The integration of the new software into the old system took longer than planned.