weak point / vulnerability
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weak point
A flaw, gap, or deficiency in a plan, argument, concept, or organization that makes it vulnerable or ineffective.
Die Schwachstelle seiner Argumentation war, dass er keine Beweise vorlegen konnte.
The weak point in his argument was that he could not provide any evidence.
weak point
A point or area in a physical object, structure, or system that is less stable or resistant than the rest and is therefore prone to failure or breakage.
Die Ingenieure entdeckten eine Schwachstelle in der Brückenkonstruktion.
The engineers discovered a weak point in the bridge structure.
vulnerability
A security flaw in a computer system or software that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or cause damage.
Das neue Update schließt eine kritische Schwachstelle im Betriebssystem.
The new update closes a critical vulnerability in the operating system.
'Schwachstelle' (weak point/vulnerability) is a very logical word made up of the adjective 'schwach' (weak) and the noun 'die Stelle' (place/spot). It literally means 'a weak place' or 'a weak point'.
Jedes System hat irgendwo eine Schwachstelle.
Every system has a weak point somewhere.
To specify where the weak point is located, German usually uses the preposition 'in' (+ dative) for systems and concepts, or 'an' (+ dative) for concrete objects.
Die Schwachstelle in seinem Plan war die ungenaue Zeitangabe.
The weak point in his plan was the imprecise time estimate.
In a figurative sense, 'Schwachstelle' (weak point) is often used for plans or arguments. Typical phrases are 'eine Schwachstelle im Plan finden' (to find a weak point in the plan) or 'die Schwachstelle einer Argumentation aufdecken' (to reveal the weak point in an argument).
Der Detektiv fand schnell die Schwachstelle im Alibi des Verdächtigen.
The detective quickly found the weak point in the suspect's alibi.
In the field of IT and computer security, 'Schwachstelle' (vulnerability) is a key term. Typical collocations here include 'eine Schwachstelle schließen' (to close a vulnerability), 'eine kritische Schwachstelle' (a critical vulnerability), or 'eine Schwachstelle ausnutzen' (to exploit a vulnerability).
Das Software-Update schließt mehrere bekannte Schwachstellen.
The software update closes several known vulnerabilities.
mistake / error
A Fehler is a specific incorrect part of a decision, statement, or plan. A Schwachstelle is a point that makes a plan or argument vulnerable or less effective without necessarily being wrong in itself. Use Fehler for something incorrect and Schwachstelle for a vulnerable point.
Die Abhängigkeit von nur einem Lieferanten ist eine Schwachstelle im Plan.
Relying on just one supplier is a weak point in the plan.
Der falsche Kostenansatz ist ein Fehler im Plan.
The incorrect cost estimate is a mistake in the plan.
