disruption / disorder
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malfunction
An interruption of normal operation or process, often in a technical sense; a malfunction or breakdown.
Wegen einer Störung im Netz gab es gestern Abend kein Internet.
Because of a malfunction in the network, there was no internet yesterday evening.
The noun 'die Störung' (disruption/disorder) is derived directly from the verb 'stören' (to disturb/disrupt). The ending '-ung' is often used in German to form a feminine noun from a verb that describes the action or the result of the verb.
Bitte stör mich nicht, ich muss mich konzentrieren.
Please don't disturb me; I need to concentrate.
The context helps you recognize the meaning of 'Störung' (disruption/disorder). Technical terms like 'Netz' (network) or 'Betrieb' (operation) point to a malfunction. An apology points to an interruption. Medical terms like 'Patient' (patient) or 'psychisch' (psychological/mental) point to an illness.
Aufgrund einer technischen Störung fällt der Zug heute aus.
Due to a technical malfunction, the train is canceled today.
In a technical context, 'Störung' (malfunction) is often used with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'eine Störung beheben' (to fix a malfunction), 'eine Störung melden' (to report a malfunction), or 'eine Störung beseitigen' (to eliminate a malfunction).
Ein Techniker wurde gerufen, um die Störung zu beheben.
A technician was called to fix the malfunction.
The phrase 'Entschuldigen Sie die Störung' (sorry for the disturbance/interruption) is a very common and polite way to start a conversation or interrupt someone when you have a question or concern.
Entschuldigen Sie die Störung, wissen Sie, wie spät es ist?
Sorry for the disturbance, do you know what time it is?
In the medical and psychological field, 'Störung' (disorder) is often part of compound nouns that describe specific clinical conditions. Common examples are 'Essstörung' (eating disorder), 'Angststörung' (anxiety disorder), or 'Schlafstörung' (sleep disorder).
Viele Jugendliche leiden unter Schlafstörungen.
Many young people suffer from sleep disorders.
mistake / error
'der Fehler' and 'die Störung' can both explain why something is not working properly. 'Fehler' often means a specific wrong spot or defect, for example in a program or device. 'Störung' more often means that normal operation or a normal process has been interrupted. In technology, the words can easily be confused. If you know the exact cause, 'Fehler' often fits. If what is mainly clear is that something is not running normally at the moment, 'Störung' fits better. 'Störung' can also mean an interruption of peace or concentration.
Wegen einer Störung fährt die U-Bahn heute nur alle zwanzig Minuten.
Because of a disruption, the subway is only running every twenty minutes today.
Der Techniker hat einen Fehler in der Software gefunden.
The technician found an error in the software.