dam / reservoir
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dam
A large structure, usually a dam or retaining wall, that blocks off a valley in order to impound water into a reservoir.
Die Talsperre dient sowohl der Stromerzeugung als auch dem Hochwasserschutz.
The dam is used both for generating electricity and for flood protection.
'Talsperre' (dam/reservoir) is a compound word made up of 'das Tal' (the valley) and 'die Sperre' (the barrier/blockage). So it literally describes a barrier that blocks a valley.
Der Bau der Talsperre dauerte mehrere Jahre.
The construction of the dam took several years.
The verb often reveals whether the structure (dam wall) or the lake (reservoir) is meant. If the topic is construction or technology, the wall is meant. If the topic is leisure activities like swimming or hiking, the reservoir is meant.
Die Talsperre wird derzeit technisch überprüft.
The dam is currently undergoing a technical inspection.
When the reservoir is meant, you use 'in der Talsperre' (in the reservoir) for activities in the water and 'an der Talsperre' (at/by the reservoir) for activities on the shore.
Das Schwimmen in der Talsperre ist nur an bestimmten Stellen erlaubt.
Swimming in the reservoir is only allowed in certain areas.
dam / embankment / perineum
'der Damm' and 'die Talsperre' can both have to do with damming up water. 'Damm' mainly refers to the structure that holds back water. 'Talsperre' usually means a large structure that blocks off a valley, but it can also mean the reservoir that is created. For this reason, learners may confuse the words. When speaking generally about a structure for holding back water, 'Damm' is often enough. When it is about a large facility in a valley or about the reservoir itself, 'Talsperre' is more precise.
An der Talsperre machen viele Familien am Wochenende einen Spaziergang.
Many families go for a walk at the reservoir on weekends.
Der Damm ist nach dem Unwetter an einer Stelle beschädigt.
The dam was damaged in one place after the storm.