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nuklear
nuclear
Refers to the atomic nucleus, nuclear energy, or the use of nuclear energy to generate electricity.
example
Das Kraftwerk erzeugt durch nukleare Spaltung Energie.
The power plant generates energy through nuclear fission.
nuklear
nuclear
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Nuklear' (nuclear) is an international word derived from the Latin 'nucleus' (core). It describes everything that has to do with the atomic nucleus.
EXAMPLE
Er ist Experte für nukleare Physik.
He is an expert in nuclear physics.
Context clue
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. Words like 'Energie' (energy), 'Kraftwerk' (power plant), or 'Forschung' (research) point to use for energy production. Words like 'Waffen' (weapons), 'Konflikt' (conflict), or 'Abrüstung' (disarmament) refer to the military sphere.
EXAMPLE
Die Debatte um nukleare Energie ist sehr politisch.
The debate about nuclear energy is very political.
Typical collocations (energy)
In the context of energy generation, 'nuklear' (nuclear) is often combined with the following nouns: 'nukleare Energie' (nuclear energy), 'nukleare Spaltung' (nuclear fission), 'nukleares Kraftwerk' (nuclear power plant), or 'nuklearer Abfall' (nuclear waste).
EXAMPLE
Die sichere Lagerung von nuklearem Abfall ist eine große Herausforderung.
The safe storage of nuclear waste is a major challenge.
Typical collocations (weapons)
In a military context, typical collocations are: 'nukleare Waffen' (nuclear weapons), 'nukleare Bedrohung' (nuclear threat), 'nukleare Abrüstung' (nuclear disarmament), or 'nukleare Macht' (nuclear power).
EXAMPLE
Viele Länder haben Verträge zur nuklearen Abrüstung unterzeichnet.
Many countries have signed treaties on nuclear disarmament.
Compare with
nuklear vs konventionell
conventional
'konventionell' and 'nuklear' are opposites especially in a military context. There, 'konventionell' means weapons or warfare that have nothing to do with nuclear weapons. 'nuklear', on the other hand, means something connected with nuclear weapons. The words can be confusing because in everyday language 'konventionell' often means 'traditional' or 'usual'. With weapons, however, it means more specifically: not nuclear, not biological, and not chemical.
nuklear
Der Politiker warnt vor einer nuklearen Bedrohung.
The politician warns of a nuclear threat.
konventionell
In dem Bericht geht es um konventionelle Waffen, nicht um Atomwaffen.
The report is about conventional weapons, not nuclear weapons.
In real life
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