Transformer / transformer
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Transformer
A fictional robot character that can change its form, for example from a robot into a vehicle. The term became popular through a well-known toy and film series.
Mein Sohn spielt am liebsten mit seinem gelben Transformer, der sich in ein Auto verwandeln kann.
My son likes playing best with his yellow Transformer, which can turn into a car.
transformer
A technical device in electrical engineering that can step electrical voltage up or down. The German technical term is 'Transformator' (transformer).
Für den Betrieb des Laptops in den USA benötigen Sie einen Transformer, um die Spannung anzupassen.
To use the laptop in the USA, you need a transformer to adjust the voltage.
The word is borrowed from English and is derived from 'to transform' ('verwandeln', 'umformen' — to change, to reshape). This idea of conversion appears in both meanings: the robot changes its form, and the device changes electrical voltage.
Dieser Transformer kann sich in ein schnelles Rennauto verwandeln.
This Transformer can turn into a fast racing car.
You can easily tell which meaning is intended from the context. If people are talking about toys, robots, or films, the fictional character is meant. If the topic is electricity, voltage, or devices, the voltage converter is meant.
Für die Reise in die USA brauchst du einen Transformer für dein Ladegerät.
For the trip to the USA, you need a transformer for your charger.
For the technical device, 'Transformer' (transformer) is a colloquial and widely used term. The correct German technical term used in technical documentation is 'Transformator' (transformer).
Ich brauche einen Transformer, um die Spannung von 230 Volt auf 110 Volt zu reduzieren.
I need a transformer to reduce the voltage from 230 volts to 110 volts.
