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.
'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
'die Reserve' and 'der Puffer' can both mean something that you plan in additionally or set aside. 'Reserve' sounds more general: you can have money, food, or materials as a reserve for later or for emergencies. 'Puffer' is used especially when something is meant to absorb problems, for example extra time for an appointment or extra money in a plan. If you are simply keeping something aside, 'Reserve' fits. If it is about safety against delays or mistakes, 'Puffer' sounds more natural.
Für die Fahrt zum Flughafen planen wir eine Stunde Puffer ein.
For the trip to the airport, we plan in a one-hour buffer.
Im Keller steht immer eine kleine Reserve an Wasser und Nudeln.
There is always a small reserve of water and pasta in the basement.