silicon
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silicon
A chemical element with the symbol Si, a metalloid that forms the basis of modern electronics and computer chips. In German, the term 'Silizium' is used more often.
Für die Herstellung von Solarzellen wird hochreines Silicon benötigt.
High-purity silicon is needed for the production of solar cells.
Careful: 'das Silicon' (silicon) is the chemical element (Si) used for computer chips. It is not the rubber-like sealing material called 'silicone' in English. That material is called 'das Silikon' in German.
Die moderne Elektronik basiert auf Halbleitern aus Silicon.
Modern electronics are based on semiconductors made of silicon.
The word 'Silicon' (silicon) is an Anglicism borrowed directly from English. It is mainly used in the context of the international electronics and computer industry.
Viele Tech-Firmen haben ihren Sitz im Silicon Valley.
Many tech companies are based in Silicon Valley.
The best-known collocation is the name 'Silicon Valley'. This name for the technology region in California is also used in German and refers to the material used for computer chips.
Er träumt davon, eines Tages im Silicon Valley zu arbeiten.
He dreams of working in Silicon Valley one day.
silicone
'Silicon' and 'Silikon' look very similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Silicon' refers to the chemical element that is usually called 'Silizium' in German and is important for chips or solar cells. 'Silikon' is an elastic plastic material used for sealing, for baking molds, or also in medical products. The risk of confusion is high because the words are spelled almost the same. As a practical rule: with electronics and the chemical element, 'Silizium' or, more rarely, 'Silicon' is meant. For joints, kitchens, bathrooms, or implants, you say 'Silikon'.
In dem englischen Text über Computerchips steht das Wort Silicon.
The English text about computer chips uses the word Silicon.
Am Wochenende erneuert er das Silikon an der Badewanne.
At the weekend, he replaces the silicone around the bathtub.