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.
reservoir
The reservoir itself that is created by a dam wall.
Im Sommer gehen wir oft an der Talsperre schwimmen und segeln.
In summer, we often go swimming and sailing at the reservoir.
'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
A Damm is the barrier structure that holds back water. A Talsperre, by contrast, is the large impoundment facility that blocks off a valley and creates a reservoir; its barrier structure can be a dam. Talsperre is therefore the better term for the entire facility.
Die neue Talsperre sperrt das Tal ab und lässt einen Stausee entstehen.
The new dam blocks off the valley and creates a reservoir.
Der Damm der neuen Stauanlage hält das Wasser zurück.
The dam of the new impoundment facility holds back the water.
