A building or special area that houses the central computer and server infrastructure of a company or organization. Data is processed, stored, and managed there.
example
Das neue Rechenzentrum verbraucht so viel Strom wie eine Kleinstadt.
The new data center consumes as much electricity as a small town.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a combination of the verb 'rechnen' (to calculate) and the noun 'Zentrum' (center). So it literally describes a central place where calculations are done—today in the sense of data processing.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Rechenzentrum ist eines der modernsten in Europa.
This data center is one of the most modern in Europe.
Technical context
This word belongs to the technical language of IT and business. You usually hear or read it when the topic is digitalization, cloud storage, or the technical infrastructure of companies.
EXAMPLE
Viele Firmen lagern ihre Daten in externe Rechenzentren aus.
Many companies outsource their data to external data centers.
Typical verbs
A 'Rechenzentrum' (data center) is often combined with certain technical verbs. Typical phrases include 'betreiben' (to operate), 'bauen' (to build), 'warten' (to maintain), or 'sichern' (to secure) a data center.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma plant, ein neues, energieeffizientes Rechenzentrum zu bauen.
The company plans to build a new, energy-efficient data center.