01
die Kopplung
coupling
The technical or physical connection of two or more elements into one unit.
example
Die Kopplung der beiden Waggons verlief ohne Probleme.
The coupling of the two railcars went without any problems.
die Kopplung
coupling
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Kopplung' (coupling) is derived from the verb 'koppeln' (to couple/link). The ending '-ung' is a very common way in German to form a feminine noun from a verb.
EXAMPLE
Man muss die beiden Geräte erst miteinander koppeln.
You first have to pair the two devices with each other.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Kopplung' (coupling/linkage) from the context. If it is about physical objects such as 'Waggons' (railcars) or 'Module' (modules), the technical connection is meant. In texts about economics or politics, for example with 'Preise' (prices) or 'Renten' (pensions), it refers to an abstract dependency. In physics, it refers to energy transfer.
EXAMPLE
Die Kopplung der Preise für Energie an den Weltmarkt ist ein politisches Thema.
The linking of energy prices to the world market is a political issue.
Sentence structure with 'an'
When one thing is linked to another, German uses the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative. This pattern is especially common in economic and political contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Kopplung der Sozialleistungen an die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung wird diskutiert.
The linking of social benefits to economic development is being discussed.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'Kopplung' (linkage) is often combined with adjectives such as 'eng' (close), 'stark' (strong), or 'lose' (loose) to describe the degree of dependency.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Systemen besteht eine sehr enge Kopplung.
There is a very close linkage between the two systems.
Register: technical language
This meaning of 'Kopplung' (coupling) is technical jargon from physics and electronics. You find it in specialist articles or technical descriptions.
EXAMPLE
Die optische Kopplung wird in der Datenübertragung verwendet.
Optical coupling is used in data transmission.
Compare with
Kopplung vs Verbindung
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'die Kopplung' can both mean that two things are brought together or linked with each other. 'Verbindung' is the more general word. It fits, for example, with internet, telephone, electricity, or also generally in the expression 'in Verbindung mit' (in connection with). 'Kopplung' sounds more technical and emphasizes more strongly that two parts or systems work together or depend on each other. In technology, physics, or electronics, 'Kopplung' is often more precise. Learners may confuse the words because both describe something connected. If only a contact or line is meant, people usually say 'Verbindung'; if a fixed technical or functional link is meant, 'Kopplung' often fits.
Kopplung
Die Kopplung der beiden Geräte funktioniert erst nach dem Neustart.
The coupling of the two devices only works after the restart.
Verbindung
Im Zug war die Verbindung zum Internet sehr schlecht.
On the train, the internet connection was very poor.
In real life
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