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.
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
'das Internet' and 'das Netz' can mean the same thing in everyday language: the worldwide internet. 'das Internet' is the clear and neutral expression. 'das Netz' is shorter and more colloquial. Learners may confuse the words because 'Netz' also has other meanings. In 'kein Netz haben' (to have no cell signal), for example, it often means mobile reception, not the whole internet. If you want to be completely clear, say 'Internet'. In casual conversations, 'Netz' often sounds natural.
Auf dem Land hat die Familie oft kein Netz.
In the countryside, the family often has no cell signal.
Im Zug funktioniert das Internet heute nur langsam.
The internet on the train is only working slowly today.