technology / technique
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technology
The application of scientific knowledge and methods to solve practical problems or manufacture products. Also includes the totality of processes and equipment in a specific field.
Die moderne Technik hat unser Leben in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark verändert.
Modern technology has greatly changed our lives over the past decades.
The word 'Technik' (technology / technique) belongs to a word family. The related adjective is 'technisch' (technical), and a person who works with it professionally is a 'Techniker' or 'Technikerin' (technician).
Ein technischer Defekt hat den Zug gestoppt.
A technical fault stopped the train.
The meaning of 'Technik' (technology / technique) can be recognized from context. If it is about machines and inventions, it means technology in general. If people are talking about a person's skill, for example in sports or music, it means technique or execution. If it is about devices in a room, it means the equipment.
Die Technik des neuen Smartphones ist beeindruckend.
The technology in the new smartphone is impressive.
When referring to technology in general, 'Technik' (technology) is often combined with adjectives such as 'modern' (modern), 'digital' (digital), or 'neueste' (latest). A common phrase is also 'der Stand der Technik' (the state of the art).
Die neueste Technik ermöglicht schnellere Computer.
The latest technology enables faster computers.
To describe a person's ability, 'Technik' (technique) is often used with verbs such as 'beherrschen' (to master), 'verbessern' (to improve), or 'lernen' (to learn). For example, people talk about the 'Technik des Schwimmens' (swimming technique) or the 'Maltechnik' (painting technique).
Er muss noch an seiner Technik arbeiten, um schneller zu werden.
He still has to work on his technique to become faster.
medium
'das Medium' and 'die Technik' can both appear in modern communication situations. A 'Medium' is the route or channel through which information is spread, for example television, radio, newspapers, or the internet. 'Technik' refers more to the devices, systems, or processes used for this. Learners may confuse the words because digital media often need technical equipment. But a medium is not automatically the technology itself. You can think of it like this: the medium brings the information to people; the technology often makes that possible.
Bei der Präsentation hat die Technik nicht funktioniert.
The technical equipment did not work during the presentation.
Für junge Leute ist das Internet ein wichtiges Medium für Nachrichten.
For young people, the internet is an important medium for news.