das Relais
relay
An electrically or electromagnetically controlled switch that opens or closes an electrical circuit.
EXAMPLE
Das Relais schaltet die Scheinwerfer automatisch ein.
The relay switches the headlights on automatically.
das Relais
relay
das Relais, die Relais
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Meanings
das Relais
relay
A technical station that receives and forwards radio signals or other signals so that they can reach a greater distance.
EXAMPLE
Das Relais auf dem Berg verbessert den Funkempfang im Tal.
The relay on the mountain improves radio reception in the valley.
das Relais
relay station
A station where horses were changed in the past, especially for postal transport.
EXAMPLE
Die Kutsche hielt am Relais, um die Pferde zu wechseln.
The carriage stopped at the relay station to change horses.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Relais, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Relais |
| genitive | des Relais |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Relais | die Relais |
| accusative | das Relais | die Relais |
| dative | dem Relais | den Relais |
| genitive | des Relais | der Relais |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
The intended meaning can usually be identified from the surrounding words: words such as „Stromkreis“ (electrical circuit), „Spannung“ (voltage), or „schalten“ (to switch) refer to an electrical component, while „Funk“ (radio), „Signal“ (signal), or „Empfang“ (reception) refer to a technical station. Words such as „Kutsche“ (carriage), „Pferdewechsel“ (changing horses), or „Postverkehr“ (postal transport) indicate the historical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Das Relais im Sicherungskasten schaltet den Stromkreis bei Bedarf ab.
The relay in the fuse box switches off the electrical circuit when necessary.
Über das Relais wird das Funksignal bis in abgelegene Dörfer weitergeleitet.
The signal is forwarded via the relay to remote villages.
Auf der alten Poststrecke lag etwa alle zwanzig Kilometer ein Relais.
There was a relay station about every twenty kilometers along the old postal route.
Typical collocations
In electrical engineering, „Relais“ (relay) frequently occurs with verbs such as „schalten“ (to switch), „steuern“ (to control), and „auslösen“ (to trigger). Typical phrases include „ein Relais schaltet einen Stromkreis“ (a relay switches an electrical circuit) and „ein Relais wird angesteuert“ (a relay is controlled).
EXAMPLE
Das Relais schaltet die Heizung ein, sobald die Temperatur sinkt.
The relay switches the heating on as soon as the temperature drops.
Technical usage
In the meaning of a signal station, „Relais“ (relay) is especially often used with „Funk“ (radio), „Signal“ (signal), „Empfang“ (reception), or „weiterleiten“ (to forward). It can receive signals and transmit them to another location.
EXAMPLE
Das Relais auf dem Hügel leitet die Funksignale an die Leitstelle weiter.
The relay on the hill forwards the radio signals to the control center.
Historical usage
The meaning involving changing horses is mainly found in historical stories and texts about postal transport in the past. Words such as „Kutsche“ (carriage), „Pferde“ (horses), and „Poststation“ (postal station) point to this historical context.
EXAMPLE
Am Relais standen bereits frische Pferde für die lange Fahrt bereit.
Fresh horses were already waiting at the relay station for the long journey.
In real life
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