net / network
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net
A structure made of threads, ropes, or wires that are knotted or connected to one another and have gaps between them. It is used for catching things, e.g. fish, as a barrier, e.g. in sports, or for safety.
Der Volleyball landete direkt im Netz.
The volleyball landed directly in the net.
network
A system of interconnected lines, paths, people, or institutions; a network.
Er verfügt über ein großes Netz an beruflichen Kontakten.
He has a large network of professional contacts.
internet
Colloquial short form for the internet.
Ich habe die Informationen schnell im Netz gefunden.
I quickly found the information online.
cell signal
The availability of a mobile phone connection; reception.
In diesem Tunnel hat man absolut kein Netz.
You have absolutely no cell signal in this tunnel.
The meaning of 'Netz' (net/network) can almost always be understood from context. Is it about a physical object ('Spinnennetz' = spider web), social connections ('Netzwerk' = network), the internet ('im Netz surfen' = to surf the web), or cell phone reception ('kein Netz haben' = to have no signal)?
Das Wort 'Netz' kann ein Fischernetz, das Internet oder den Handyempfang bedeuten.
The word 'Netz' can mean a fishing net, the internet, or cell phone reception.
In its original meaning, 'Netz' (net) is often used in compounds that describe the material or purpose: 'Fischernetz' (fishing net), 'Spinnennetz' (spider web), 'Haarnetz' (hairnet), or 'Volleyballnetz' (volleyball net).
Die Spinne hat über Nacht ein großes Netz gewebt.
The spider wove a large web overnight.
When 'Netz' (internet/web) stands for the internet, it is almost always used with the preposition 'in' as 'im Netz' (online/on the web). Typical verbs are 'surfen' (to surf), 'suchen' (to search), 'finden' (to find), or 'etwas stellen' (to post something).
Viele Leute kaufen ihre Kleidung heute lieber im Netz.
Many people today prefer to buy their clothes online.
In the meaning of 'Mobilfunkempfang' (mobile phone reception), 'Netz' (cell signal) is usually used with the verb 'haben' (to have). The question 'Hast du Netz?' (Do you have signal?) is a typical everyday question.
Ich kann dich nicht anrufen, ich habe hier oben auf dem Berg kein Netz.
I can't call you; I have no cell signal up here on the mountain.
internet
When referring to online use, Internet and Netz refer to the same thing. Internet is unambiguous and neutral; Netz is a colloquial shortened form and can mean something else without clear context. Internet is therefore more precise in factual or unclear situations.
Unter Freunden sagt Mia, dass sie die Adresse schnell im Netz sucht.
Mia tells her friends that she will quickly look up the address online.
Der Vertrag garantiert einen schnellen Zugang zum Internet.
The contract guarantees fast access to the internet.
