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.
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' and 'der Prototyp' can both have to do with products or technical developments. A 'Modell' can be a particular version of a product, for example a car model, or a scaled-down reproduction. A 'Prototyp', on the other hand, is a first functional model that is tested before a product is manufactured in larger numbers. The words can be confused because both can show something that will later be built or sold. In practice: if you mean a version or a small representation, 'Modell' fits better. If you mean testing and further developing a new product, 'Prototyp' is more precise.
Der Prototyp hat im Test gut funktioniert, aber die Firma will noch einige Teile verbessern.
The prototype worked well in the test, but the company still wants to improve some parts.
Dieses Modell des neuen Zuges steht im Schaufenster des Bahnhofs.
This model of the new train is in the station's shop window.