software
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software
All programs, applications, and data that run on a computer or another electronic device, as opposed to the physical hardware.
Für die Videobearbeitung benötigst du eine spezielle Software.
For video editing, you need special software.
'Software' is a word that was borrowed directly from English and has the same meaning in German. The German article is 'die'.
Die neue Software ist sehr benutzerfreundlich.
The new software is very user-friendly.
Similar to English, 'Software' is often used as an uncountable noun, especially when speaking about it in general. In such cases, no article and no plural form are used.
Auf meinem Computer ist veraltete Software installiert.
Outdated software is installed on my computer.
Common verbs used with 'Software' are 'installieren' (to install), 'aktualisieren' (to update) or 'updaten' (to update), 'entwickeln' (to develop), and 'nutzen' (to use).
Du solltest deine Software regelmäßig aktualisieren.
You should update your software regularly.
program
Das Programm usually refers to a single executable software unit. Software is the broader term for the programs, applications, and data on a computer or device. Use Programm when you mean a single unit, and Software when you mean the complete digital setup.
Die neue Software des Computers enthält mehrere Programme und die nötigen Daten.
The computer’s new software contains several programs and the necessary data.
Für die Bildbearbeitung öffne ich ein neues Programm.
I open a new program for image editing.
