probe
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space probe
An unmanned technical device or spacecraft that is sent out to measure and explore distant or inaccessible places, such as space or the deep sea.
Die Raumsonde „Voyager 1“ hat inzwischen unser Sonnensystem verlassen.
The space probe 'Voyager 1' has now left our solar system.
probe / tube
A medical instrument, often a thin rod or tube, that is inserted into the body in order to examine body cavities, supply fluids, or take samples.
Der Patient musste über eine Magensonde künstlich ernährt werden.
The patient had to be fed artificially through a stomach tube.
probe / sensor
A technical measuring device that is inserted into a substance or environment in order to measure physical or chemical properties.
Mit einer Sonde wurde die Temperatur im Inneren des Reaktors gemessen.
A probe was used to measure the temperature inside the reactor.
The exact meaning of 'Sonde' (probe) almost always depends on the context. Pay attention to the accompanying words: 'Raum' (space) or 'Planet' point to space travel, 'Magen' (stomach) or 'Arzt' (doctor) to medicine, and 'Temperatur' (temperature) or 'messen' (to measure) to a technical measuring device.
Die Sonde hat den Mars erreicht.
The probe has reached Mars.
In the context of space travel, the compound 'Raumsonde' (space probe) is often used. Typical verbs are 'eine Sonde starten' (to launch a probe), 'eine Sonde schicken' (to send a probe), or 'die Sonde sendet Daten' (the probe sends data).
Die NASA plant, eine neue Sonde zum Jupiter zu schicken.
NASA is planning to send a new probe to Jupiter.
In the medical field, typical compounds are 'Magensonde' (stomach tube) or 'Ernährungssonde' (feeding tube). Common verbs are 'eine Sonde legen' (to place a tube/probe), 'eine Sonde einführen' (to insert a tube/probe), or 'jemanden über eine Sonde ernähren' (to feed someone through a tube).
Nach der Operation musste er künstlich über eine Sonde ernährt werden.
After the operation, he had to be fed artificially through a tube.
In technical measurements, 'Sonde' (probe/sensor) is often combined with the value being measured, e.g. 'Temperatursonde' (temperature probe) or 'pH-Sonde' (pH probe). The typical verb is 'messen mit einer Sonde' (to measure with a probe).
Der Techniker hat die Wasserqualität mit einer speziellen Sonde gemessen.
The technician measured the water quality with a special probe.
satellite
A Satellit and a Sonde are unmanned spacecraft that can be used for research. A Satellit orbits a planet, whereas a Sonde can also travel to distant or inaccessible places without being in orbit there. Use Satellit for an orbit and Sonde for a research mission to a destination.
Die Sonde fliegt zum Mars und untersucht seine Oberfläche.
The probe is flying to Mars and studying its surface.
Der Satellit umkreist die Erde und sammelt Daten über das Wetter.
The satellite orbits Earth and collects weather data.
