mechanics
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mechanics
A branch of physics that deals with the motion of bodies and the forces acting on them.
In der Schule lernten wir die Grundlagen der klassischen Mechanik nach Newton.
At school, we learned the basics of classical mechanics according to Newton.
'Die Mechanik' (mechanics/mechanism) refers to a system or a field of science, not a person. The English word 'mechanic' (the person who repairs cars) is 'der Mechaniker' or 'die Mechanikerin' in German.
Mein Auto ist kaputt, ich muss es zum Mechaniker bringen.
My car is broken; I have to take it to the mechanic.
The ending '-ik' in German often indicates a field of study, a discipline, or a system. Similar words include 'die Physik' (physics), 'die Logik' (logic), and 'die Technik' (technology/engineering).
Mathematik und Physik waren seine Lieblingsfächer in der Schule.
Mathematics and physics were his favorite subjects at school.
The context reveals the meaning: If it is about physics or science, the field of study is meant. If someone is talking about a clock or an engine, the internal system is meant. With a game or in politics, it refers to the figurative ways things function.
Die Mechanik dieses Motors ist sehr effizient.
The mechanism of this engine is very efficient.
In its figurative meaning, 'Mechanik' describes the invisible rules and processes of a system. For example, people talk about 'Spielmechanik' (game mechanics) in board games or video games, or the 'Mechaniken des Marktes' (mechanics of the market) in economics.
Die neue Spielmechanik macht das Spiel viel interessanter.
The new game mechanic makes the game much more interesting.
technology / technique
'die Technik' and 'die Mechanik' can both have to do with machines and devices. 'die Technik' is broader: it means technical solutions, processes, devices, or all the technical equipment of a system. 'die Mechanik' has a narrower meaning: the internal system of moving parts through which a device works. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear together in machines. If you are speaking generally about technical equipment or modern devices, 'Technik' fits. If you mean the moving parts and how they work together, 'Mechanik' is more precise.
Die Mechanik der alten Uhr ist noch gut, aber das Glas ist kaputt.
The mechanism of the old clock is still good, but the glass is broken.
Bei der Bewerbung spricht mein Kollege über seine Erfahrung mit moderner Technik.
In the job application, my colleague talks about his experience with modern technology.