simulation
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simulation
The reproduction of a real system or process, often using a computer model, in order to study its behavior.
Mithilfe einer Simulation wird die Auswirkung des neuen Verkehrssystems auf die Stadt getestet.
A simulation is used to test the impact of the new traffic system on the city.
'Die Simulation' (simulation) belongs to the word family of the verb 'simulieren' (to simulate). The ending '-tion' is typical for nouns derived from verbs of Latin origin that describe a process or a result.
Der Pilot muss regelmäßig im Flugsimulator trainieren, um Notfälle zu simulieren.
The pilot has to train regularly in the flight simulator in order to simulate emergencies.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about technology, science, or training (e.g., computers, flying), it refers to the reproduction of a process. If it is about human behavior or medicine (e.g., feelings, illness), it refers to feigning.
Die Klimaforscher nutzen eine Computersimulation für ihre Prognosen.
Climate researchers use a computer simulation for their forecasts.
In technical contexts, 'Simulation' (simulation) is often combined with other nouns to form compounds. Common examples are 'Computersimulation' (computer simulation), 'Flugsimulation' (flight simulation), or 'Wetter-Simulation' (weather simulation).
Diese Software ermöglicht die Simulation von chemischen Reaktionen.
This software enables the simulation of chemical reactions.
model
'das Modell' and 'die Simulation' can both help represent and study reality in a simpler way. A model is the simplified representation itself, for example a computer model of a traffic network. A simulation is the process or experiment in which such a model is used to recreate what might happen. The words can be confused because simulations are often based on models. In short: the model is the basis; the simulation shows the behavior in a particular situation.
Wegen der vielen Unfälle testet die Stadt eine Simulation für die neue Kreuzung.
Because of the many accidents, the city is testing a simulation for the new intersection.
Die Forscher entwickeln ein Modell, das den Verkehr in der Stadt erklärt.
The researchers are developing a model that explains traffic in the city.