topography
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topography
The description and representation of the surface forms of a terrain, including its natural features (mountains, valleys, rivers) and artificial features (cities, roads).
Die Topographie der Alpen ist durch hohe Gipfel und tiefe Täler gekennzeichnet.
The topography of the Alps is characterized by high peaks and deep valleys.
topography
In a figurative sense, the detailed description of the structure or arrangement of elements in a certain area, for example in literature or sociology.
In seinem Roman zeichnet der Autor eine genaue Topographie der sozialen Beziehungen in der Kleinstadt.
In his novel, the author draws a precise topography of the social relationships in the small town.
The word comes from Greek: 'tópos' means 'place' and 'gráphein' means 'to write' or 'to describe'. A topography is therefore literally an 'Ortsbeschreibung' (description of a place).
Für die Planung der neuen Straße musste die Topographie des Geländes genau vermessen werden.
For the planning of the new road, the topography of the terrain had to be measured precisely.
'Topographie' (topography) is a technical term used mainly in scientific, technical, or academic contexts, for example in geography, biology, or literary studies.
Der Geologie-Student analysiert die Topographie der Vulkaninsel.
The geology student is analyzing the topography of the volcanic island.
You can recognize the geographical meaning from words such as 'Gelände' (terrain), 'Berg' (mountain), or 'Fluss' (river). You can recognize the figurative meaning from abstract terms such as 'Beziehungen' (relationships), 'Macht' (power), or 'Gefühle' (feelings).
Die Karte zeigt die komplexe Topographie der Küstenregion.
The map shows the complex topography of the coastal region.
In the geographical meaning, 'Topographie' (topography) is often combined with verbs such as 'beschreiben' (to describe), 'analysieren' (to analyze), 'darstellen' (to represent), or 'erfassen' (to capture/record). Typical adjectives are 'flach' (flat), 'bergig' (mountainous), or 'komplex' (complex).
Das Gebiet hat eine überwiegend flache Topographie.
The area has a predominantly flat topography.
geography
Both words can refer to the spatial features of a region. Topographie focuses on the actual surface and how it is arranged, while Geografie takes a broader view of the area, including landscapes, climate, and population, for example. Choose Topographie for a detailed representation of the terrain; otherwise, Geografie is usually the better choice.
Die Topographie der Region zeigt die steilen Berge, tiefen Täler und wichtigen Straßen.
The topography of the region shows its steep mountains, deep valleys, and major roads.
Die Geografie der Region untersucht neben der Landschaft auch das Klima und die Bevölkerung.
The geography of the region examines the climate and population as well as the landscape.
