fuse / backup / safety
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fuse
A component in an electrical circuit that melts or switches off in case of overload or short circuit in order to prevent damage.
Plötzlich war das Licht aus, weil die Sicherung rausgeflogen ist.
Suddenly the light went out because the fuse had blown.
The noun 'die Sicherung' is derived from the verb 'sichern' (to secure). The ending '-ung' forms a feminine noun that describes the act of securing something or an object that serves safety.
Der Techniker muss die losen Kabel sichern.
The technician has to secure the loose cables.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Sicherung' from the context. Words like 'Strom' (electricity) or 'Licht' (light) point to the electrical fuse, while 'Daten' (data) or 'Computer' point to a backup. In connection with 'Polizei' (police) or 'Militär' (military), it means guarding a place.
Die Sicherung ist durchgebrannt, wir haben keinen Strom mehr.
The fuse has blown; we no longer have electricity.
In the electrical context, people often say that a fuse 'rausfliegt' (trips), 'durchbrennt' (blows), or 'rausspringt' (trips). When replacing it, you 'wechselt' or 'tauscht' the fuse.
Als ich den Staubsauger anmachte, ist sofort die Sicherung rausgeflogen.
When I turned on the vacuum cleaner, the fuse immediately blew.
When 'Sicherung' describes the act of securing, 'von' + dative is often used to specify what is being secured.
Die Sicherung von Beweismitteln ist eine wichtige Aufgabe der Kriminalpolizei.
Securing evidence is an important task of the criminal police.
In connection with computer data, verbs such as 'eine Sicherung machen' (to make a backup), 'erstellen' (to create), or 'anlegen' (to set up/create) are used. When restoring data from the backup, you 'spielt die Sicherung ein' (restore/import the backup).
Ich mache jeden Freitag eine Sicherung meiner wichtigsten Dateien.
I make a backup of my most important files every Friday.
In this meaning, 'Sicherung' often describes an action or system that protects a person. In climbing, the partner 'übernimmt die Sicherung' (takes over the belay). On a weapon, you can 'die Sicherung lösen' or 'entsichern' (release the safety).
Der Soldat entsicherte sein Gewehr, bevor er das Gebäude betrat.
The soldier released the safety on his rifle before entering the building.
safety / certainty / security
'die Sicherheit' and 'die Sicherung' both have to do with protection. 'Sicherheit' describes the state more: you are protected or feel protected. 'Sicherung' refers more to something concrete that protects, or to the act of protecting. This can be an electrical fuse, a computer backup, or belaying when climbing. Learners may confuse the words because they come from the same word stem. As a guide: 'Sicherheit' is often the goal, while 'Sicherung' is often the means or the measure.
Vor dem Klettern prüft er die Sicherung sehr genau.
Before climbing, he checks the safety system very carefully.
Im Labor ist die Sicherheit aller Mitarbeitenden besonders wichtig.
In the lab, the safety of all employees is especially important.