network
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network
A system of connected people, institutions, or things that exchange information or resources.
Für die Jobsuche ist ein gutes berufliches Netzwerk sehr hilfreich.
A good professional network is very helpful when looking for a job.
The word consists of 'Netz' (net) and 'Werk' (work/structure). So it literally describes a structure or construction ('Werk') that is built like a 'Netz' (net) and connects things or people with each other.
Das soziale Netzwerk verbindet Freunde auf der ganzen Welt.
The social network connects friends all over the world.
In a social or professional context, a network is often 'aufgebaut' (built), 'gepflegt' (maintained), or 'erweitert' (expanded). These verbs describe the active work involved in managing one's own contacts.
Es ist wichtig, sein berufliches Netzwerk ständig zu pflegen.
It is important to constantly maintain your professional network.
In a technical context, people talk about 'sich mit dem Netzwerk verbinden' (connecting to the network) or 'Zugriff auf das Netzwerk' (access to the network). The preposition 'in' is used to describe the state.
Ich kann mich nicht mit dem WLAN-Netzwerk verbinden.
I can't connect to the Wi-Fi network.
internet
'das Internet' and 'das Netzwerk' both have to do with connections and exchange. 'das Internet' means the worldwide computer network that you use for websites, email, and many other services. 'das Netzwerk' is more general: it can be a technical network in a company or at home, but also a network of people. It is easy to confuse the words because the internet itself is a large network. If you are talking about worldwide online access, 'Internet' fits. If you mean a specific group of connected devices or people, 'Netzwerk' is more precise.
Zu Hause verbindet der Mitarbeiter seinen Drucker mit dem Netzwerk.
At home, the employee connects his printer to the network.
Nina hat im Internet nach einer neuen Ärztin gesucht.
Nina searched online for a new doctor.