buffer
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buffer
A reserve of time, money, or other resources that serves as a safety margin to absorb unexpected delays or problems.
Ich plane immer einen Zeitpuffer von 15 Minuten ein, um nicht zu spät zu kommen.
I always plan in a 15-minute time buffer so I don't arrive late.
buffer
A technical component, usually on rail vehicles, that cushions and softens impacts.
Beim Ankoppeln der Waggons trafen die Puffer aufeinander.
When the train cars were coupled together, the buffers struck each other.
buffer
In computer science, a temporary storage area that stores data temporarily in order to balance speed differences between two devices or processes.
Das Video stockt, weil die Daten nicht schnell genug in den Puffer geladen werden.
The video is stuttering because the data is not being loaded into the buffer quickly enough.
buffer
In chemistry, a solution (buffer solution) whose pH value changes only slightly when an acid or base is added.
Für das biologische Experiment wird ein spezieller Puffer benötigt, um den pH-Wert stabil zu halten.
A special buffer is needed for the biological experiment to keep the pH value stable.
'Puffer' (buffer) always describes something that absorbs and balances out impacts, differences, or fluctuations. This idea is used literally with trains, but also metaphorically for time, money, or data.
Ein kleiner finanzieller Puffer kann in Notfällen sehr hilfreich sein.
A small financial buffer can be very helpful in emergencies.
The meaning as a 'reserve' for time or money is very common in everyday language. The meanings from technology, computer science, and chemistry, on the other hand, are typical technical terms for their respective fields.
Für das Projekt brauchen wir einen größeren finanziellen Puffer.
We need a larger financial buffer for the project.
In its everyday meaning, 'Puffer' (buffer) is often used with time or money. Typical verbs are 'einplanen' (to plan in), 'haben' (to have), or 'brauchen' (to need). It is also often combined into words like 'Zeitpuffer' (time buffer) or 'Geldpuffer' (money buffer).
Ich habe einen Puffer von 30 Minuten eingeplant, falls es Stau gibt.
I planned in a buffer of 30 minutes in case there is traffic.
When 'Puffer' (buffer) is mentioned in connection with computers, videos, streaming, or data, it always means temporary storage.
Das Video stockt, weil die Daten nicht schnell genug in den Puffer geladen werden.
The video is stuttering because the data is not being loaded into the buffer quickly enough.
reserve
Both die Reserve and der Puffer can refer to extra time or resources kept for later. A Reserve is primarily an amount held back, whereas a Puffer is specifically intended to absorb unexpected delays or problems. When referring to a concrete safety margin in a plan, Puffer is therefore often the better choice.
Für das Projekt planen wir zusätzlich zwei Tage als Puffer für unerwartete Verzögerungen ein.
We are building an additional two days into the project as a buffer for unexpected delays.
Für das Projekt halten wir noch etwas Geld als Reserve zurück.
We are keeping some money in reserve for the project.
