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.
mechanically
In a figurative sense, it describes an action that is performed automatically, mechanically, and without feeling or conscious thought.
Er nickte nur maschinell, während seine Gedanken ganz woanders waren.
He only nodded mechanically while his thoughts were somewhere else entirely.
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.
automatic
Both words can describe a process involving a machine. „Maschinell“ only says that a machine is used and leaves open whether someone operates it. „Automatisch“ emphasizes that the process runs independently and without human intervention. Use „maschinell“ for the type of production and „automatisch“ for the process.
Die fertigen Produkte werden maschinell in Kartons verpackt.
The finished products are packed into boxes by machine.
Die Maschine verpackt die fertigen Produkte automatisch in Kartons.
The machine automatically packs the finished products into boxes.
