prototype
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prototype
A first, functional model of a new product or a new development. Tests are carried out and improvements are made using the prototype before mass production begins.
Die Ingenieure testen gerade den neuen Prototyp des Elektroautos.
The engineers are currently testing the new prototype of the electric car.
prototype
A person or thing that embodies the characteristics of a certain group or category in an ideal or typical way.
Er gilt als der Prototyp des modernen Managers: ehrgeizig, flexibel und gut vernetzt.
He is considered the prototype of the modern manager: ambitious, flexible, and well connected.
The word is made up of the Greek prefix 'Proto-' (first) and 'Typ' (type). So a prototype is literally the 'first type' or the 'original model' of something.
Bevor das Auto in Serie geht, werden mehrere Prototypen gebaut.
Before the car goes into production, several prototypes are built.
If the context is technology, design, or the development of new products, it refers to the first model. If, on the other hand, people, characters, or social roles are being described, it has the figurative meaning of a typical example.
Der Prototyp des Flugzeugs hatte noch einige technische Mängel.
The prototype of the airplane still had some technical defects.
In a technical context, 'Prototyp' (prototype) is often combined with verbs such as 'entwickeln' (to develop), 'bauen' (to build), 'testen' (to test), or 'vorstellen' (to present).
Das Unternehmen hat den ersten Prototyp des neuen Geräts vorgestellt.
The company presented the first prototype of the new device.
When a person or thing is described as a prototype, a specification often follows in the genitive or with 'von' (of). This explains what that person or thing is the typical example of.
Sie gilt als der Prototyp der erfolgreichen Unternehmerin.
She is considered the prototype of the successful entrepreneur.
model
Das Modell refers to a particular version or design of a product. Der Prototyp, by contrast, is the first functional example, which is tested and improved before mass production. Modell is appropriate for a product version that is offered for sale, while Prototyp is appropriate for an early test example.
Im Labor testet die Firma den ersten Prototyp, bevor die Produktion beginnt.
In the laboratory, the company is testing the first prototype before production begins.
Auf der Messe zeigt die Firma ihr neues Modell, das ab Mai verkauft wird.
At the trade fair, the company is presenting its new model, which will go on sale in May.
