control / regulator
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control
A technical component or device with which a physical quantity such as temperature, volume, speed, or pressure can be adjusted and kept constant.
Dreh bitte am Regler, um die Heizung wärmer zu stellen.
Please turn the control to make the heating warmer.
'Der Regler' (the control/regulator) derives directly from the verb 'regeln' (to regulate, to adjust). The ending '-er' refers to the person or thing that performs the action of regulating.
Mit diesem Gerät kann man die Spannung regeln.
With this device, you can regulate the voltage.
In the technical sense, 'Regler' (control) is often combined with verbs like 'drehen' (to turn), 'einstellen' (to set/adjust), or 'verschieben' (to slide/move). Common compounds are 'Lautstärkeregler' (volume control), 'Temperaturregler' (temperature control), or 'Heizungsregler' (heating control).
Kannst du bitte am Regler für die Lautstärke drehen?
Could you please turn the volume control?
You can recognize the figurative meaning of a person or institution from the context. When the topic is business, politics, or finance, 'Regler' (regulator) usually means a controlling authority.
Die Zentralbank agiert als wichtiger Regler für die Geldpolitik.
The central bank acts as an important regulator of monetary policy.
Using 'Regler' (regulator) for a person or institution is rather formal and abstract. It is found mainly in specialist texts in the fields of business and politics.
Die Diskussion über den Staat als Regler der Wirtschaft ist sehr alt.
The discussion about the state as a regulator of the economy is very old.
regulation / control
'die Regelung' and 'der Regler' both belong to the area of controlling and adjusting. 'die Regelung' means the process or system through which something is adjusted and kept stable. 'der Regler', on the other hand, is usually the device, component, or sometimes the authority that carries out this control. The words can be confused because both occur in technical contexts. Put simply: 'Regelung' is the process; 'Regler' is the means or the person that regulates.
Wenn die Musik zu laut ist, dreh bitte den Regler etwas nach links.
If the music is too loud, please turn the control a little to the left.
Die automatische Regelung hält die Temperatur im Raum gleichmäßig warm.
The automatic control keeps the room temperature evenly warm.