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
die Kopplung
linkage
The linking of two or more processes, systems, or variables so that they depend on one another. This can occur in economics, politics, or technology.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung diskutiert über eine Kopplung der Renten an die Inflationsrate.
The government is discussing linking pensions to the inflation rate.
die Kopplung
coupling
In physics and electronics, the transfer of energy or signals between two oscillating circuits or systems.
EXAMPLE
Die induktive Kopplung ermöglicht das kabellose Laden von Smartphones.
Inductive coupling makes wireless charging of smartphones possible.
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
Here, Verbindung refers to the technical connection through which data is transmitted. Kopplung additionally emphasizes that systems or processes are functionally dependent on each other. If there is only a transmission path, Verbindung is appropriate; if a change directly affects the other system, Kopplung is appropriate.
Kopplung
Durch die Kopplung verändert eine Einstellung im ersten System sofort das zweite.
Because of the coupling, a setting in the first system immediately changes the second one.
Verbindung
Über die Verbindung sendet das erste System seine Daten an das zweite.
The first system sends its data to the second through the connection.
In real life
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