spectrum
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spectrum / range
A wide range or variety of things, opinions, or possibilities.
Die Konferenz deckte ein breites Spektrum an Themen ab, von künstlicher Intelligenz bis zur Umweltethik.
The conference covered a broad spectrum of topics, from artificial intelligence to environmental ethics.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Spektrum' (spectrum) from context. If it is about topics, opinions, products, or possibilities, the figurative meaning 'variety' is meant. If it is about light, colors, or radiation, the physical meaning is meant.
Das Meinungsspektrum in der Diskussion war sehr breit.
The spectrum of opinions in the discussion was very broad.
In the figurative meaning of 'Vielfalt' (variety), 'Spektrum' (spectrum) is often combined with adjectives such as 'breit' (broad), 'groß' (large), or 'vielfältig' (diverse). Typical verbs are 'abdecken' (to cover) or 'umfassen' (to include/encompass).
Das Festival deckt ein breites Spektrum musikalischer Genres ab.
The festival covers a broad spectrum of musical genres.
To specify what the variety consists of, the preposition 'an' is often used followed by the dative plural. This pattern is: ein Spektrum an + [noun in the dative plural].
Die Firma bietet ein breites Spektrum an Dienstleistungen an.
The company offers a broad spectrum of services.
The meaning that refers to the splitting of light or radiation belongs to the technical language of physics and other natural sciences.
In der Chemie wird das Spektrum einer Substanz zur Analyse genutzt.
In chemistry, the spectrum of a substance is used for analysis.
area / field
'der Bereich' and 'das Spektrum' can both be used to talk about a topic or several possibilities. 'Bereich' more often means a defined area, field, or area of responsibility. 'Spektrum', on the other hand, emphasizes the breadth and variety within a topic. They can be confused when talking about subject areas. 'Bereich' is more natural when saying what someone is responsible for or which field something belongs to. 'Spektrum' fits better when you want to show that there are many different forms, opinions, or possibilities.
Das neue Programm bietet ein breites Spektrum an Kursen für Erwachsene.
The new program offers a wide range of courses for adults.
Im Bereich Kundenservice arbeitet Lisa seit drei Jahren.
Lisa has been working in customer service for three years.