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.
regulator
A person or institution that performs a regulating, controlling, or supervisory function.
In seiner Funktion als oberster Regler der Finanzmärkte hat er neue Vorschriften erlassen.
In his role as the top regulator of the financial markets, he issued new regulations.
'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.
button
Knopf and Regler can refer to the same visible control on a device. Knopf mainly describes the shape and the act of pressing, while Regler emphasizes the function of adjusting a quantity such as volume or temperature. Regler is therefore especially suitable for an adjustable setting.
Stell mit dem Regler am Radio die Lautstärke leiser.
Use the control on the radio to turn down the volume.
Drück den kleinen Knopf am Radio, um die Musik einzuschalten.
Press the small button on the radio to turn on the music.
