machine-made / mechanical
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machine-made
Describes a process or product that is carried out or made with the help of a machine, as opposed to manual production by hand.
Die Kleidung wird in großen Fabriken maschinell genäht.
The clothing is sewn by machine in large factories.
The adjective 'maschinell' (machine-made/mechanical) is derived directly from the noun 'die Maschine' (the machine). The ending '-ell' is often used to form adjectives from nouns.
Die maschinelle Fertigung hat die Industrie revolutioniert.
Machine-made production revolutionized industry.
'Maschinell' (machine-made/mechanical) can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb to describe a verb. As an adverb, it remains unchanged.
Die Briefe werden maschinell sortiert.
The letters are sorted by machine.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about production or technology, the literal meaning is intended. If it refers to human behavior, it should be understood in a figurative sense.
Die Bauteile werden maschinell gereinigt.
The components are cleaned by machine.
hand
'von Hand' and 'maschinell' form a clear contrast. 'von Hand' means that a person does something themselves, without a machine. 'maschinell' means that a machine does the work or is used in production. The difference is especially important in production, repairs, writing, or sorting. If you want to emphasize that something was made personally and manually, you say 'von Hand'. If a machine is involved, 'maschinell' fits.
In der Werkstatt wurden die kleinen Teile maschinell sortiert.
In the workshop, the small parts were sorted by machine.
Die Einladungen werden von Hand geschrieben, damit sie persönlicher wirken.
The invitations are written by hand so that they feel more personal.