reparation
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reparations
Compensation for damage caused, especially financial or material compensation that a defeated state must pay to the victor after a war. The word is usually used in the plural.
Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg musste Deutschland hohe Reparationen an die Alliierten leisten.
After the First World War, Germany had to pay high reparations to the Allies.
'Reparation' (reparation) is related to the verb 'reparieren' (to repair). The ending '-ation' comes from Latin and denotes a process or result, which gives the word a formal character.
Kannst du bitte mein Fahrrad reparieren?
Can you please repair my bike?
The word 'Reparation' (reparation) always belongs to a formal or technical context. It is used in historical, biological, or legal discussions, but not in normal everyday life.
Der Professor hielt einen Vortrag über die Reparation von Kriegsschäden.
The professor gave a lecture on the reparation of war damage.
When referring to compensation after a war, the plural form 'die Reparationen' (reparations) is used almost exclusively. Typical verbs are 'fordern' (to demand), 'leisten' (to make/pay), or 'zahlen' (to pay).
Die Siegermächte forderten hohe Reparationen.
The victorious powers demanded high reparations.
In a biological or medical context, you can recognize this meaning from words like 'DNA', 'Zellen' (cells), or 'Gewebe' (tissue). Here, restoration at the cellular level is meant.
Fehler bei der Reparation von DNA können zu Krankheiten führen.
Errors in DNA repair can lead to diseases.
In a legal context, 'Reparation' (reparation/redress) refers to making good damage or harm. Signal words here are 'Gericht' (court), 'Schaden' (damage), 'Unrecht' (injustice), or 'Opfer' (victim).
Das Gericht prüft, welche Form der Reparation für das Opfer angemessen ist.
The court is examining what form of reparation is appropriate for the victim.
compensation
'Entschädigung' and 'Reparation' can both mean compensation or redress for damage or injustice. 'Entschädigung' is the more general word and sounds much more natural in everyday language, especially when a person or company receives money for specific damage. 'Reparation' is much more specific and sounds formal. It is often used in the plural, especially for payments made by a state after a war. In a legal sense, 'Reparation' can also mean a broader form of redress, not just money. There is a risk of confusion because both describe a form of compensation. In normal everyday situations, 'Entschädigung' usually fits best.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über Reparationen nach dem Krieg.
In history class, we talk about reparations after the war.
Nach dem Unfall ist die Zahlung der Versicherung eine wichtige Entschädigung für den Schaden.
After the accident, the insurance payment is important compensation for the damage.