dubbing / synchronization
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dubbing
The process in which the original audio track of a film or series is replaced by a new audio track in another language. The goal is to make the dialogue lip-synced with the actors.
Die deutsche Synchronisation dieses Hollywood-Films ist wirklich hervorragend.
The German dubbing of this Hollywood film is truly excellent.
The word comes from Greek: 'syn' means 'together' and 'chronos' means 'time'. A 'Synchronisation' (synchronization) therefore brings things into temporal alignment. This basic idea connects all meanings.
Bei der Synchronisation eines Films müssen Bild und Ton perfekt zusammenpassen.
When dubbing a film, image and sound have to match perfectly.
'Synchronisation' (synchronization) belongs to a word family with the verb 'synchronisieren' (to synchronize) and the adjective 'synchron' (synchronous / in sync). If you know one word, you can understand the others more easily.
Ich muss mein Handy mit dem Computer synchronisieren.
I have to synchronize my phone with the computer.
You can tell which meaning is intended from the context. If it is about 'Filme' (films), 'Serien' (series), or 'Stimmen' (voices), it refers to film dubbing. With 'Daten' (data), 'Geräten' (devices), or 'Kalendern' (calendars), it refers to technical synchronization.
Die Synchronisation der Stimmen in diesem Zeichentrickfilm ist sehr lustig.
The dubbing of the voices in this animated film is very funny.
In a technical context, 'Synchronisation' (synchronization) is often used with the preposition 'von' (of) or 'zwischen' (between). Typical phrases are 'die Synchronisation von Daten' (the synchronization of data) and 'die Synchronisation zwischen zwei Geräten' (the synchronization between two devices).
Die Synchronisation von Dateien zwischen Laptop und Cloud spart viel Zeit.
The synchronization of files between laptop and cloud saves a lot of time.
vote / coordination
'die Abstimmung' and 'die Synchronisation' can both mean that several things are adjusted so that they fit together. 'Abstimmung' is broader and is often used for plans, tasks, or cooperation between people. 'Synchronisation' is more precise when it is about exact timing or the same data state, for example with devices, programs, or processes. In everyday language, people tend to say 'Abstimmung' for people and planning, and 'Synchronisation' for technology.
Die Synchronisation der Daten startet automatisch, sobald das Handy im WLAN ist.
The synchronization of the data starts automatically as soon as the phone is on Wi-Fi.
Vor der Reise braucht das Team noch eine genaue Abstimmung der Termine.
Before the trip, the team still needs precise coordination of the dates.