surveillance / monitoring
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surveillance
The targeted and systematic observation of people, places, or activities, often for security reasons or for control.
Die Videoüberwachung am Bahnhof soll die Sicherheit erhöhen.
The video surveillance at the train station is meant to increase safety.
monitoring
The continuous checking of a technical process, a system, or a medical condition in order to verify its function and intervene if there are deviations.
Die Überwachung der Patientin auf der Intensivstation erfolgt rund um die Uhr.
The monitoring of the patient in the intensive care unit takes place around the clock.
The word derives from the inseparable verb 'überwachen' (to monitor/surveil). It consists of 'über' (over) and 'wachen' (to watch/keep guard) and literally means to watch over something or someone in order to control it or them.
Die Überwachung des Luftraums ist eine komplexe Aufgabe.
The monitoring of the airspace is a complex task.
To specify what is being monitored, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' with the dative. The genitive is more common in written language.
Die Überwachung des Bankgebäudes wurde verstärkt.
The surveillance of the bank building was increased.
The context makes clear which kind of 'Überwachung' (surveillance/monitoring) is meant. If it is about people or places, it means surveillance or control. If it is about technology or medicine, it means technical or medical monitoring.
Die polizeiliche Überwachung richtete sich gegen eine kriminelle Gruppe.
The police surveillance was directed against a criminal group.
In the context of security and control, 'Überwachung' is often combined with certain adjectives and verbs. Common phrases are 'polizeiliche Überwachung' (police surveillance), 'lückenlose Überwachung' (complete surveillance), and the expression 'unter Überwachung stehen' (to be under surveillance).
Der Verdächtige steht seit Wochen unter polizeilicher Überwachung.
The suspect has been under police surveillance for weeks.
control / check
Kontrolle and Überwachung both serve to determine the condition of a system. A Kontrolle can be a single check at a particular point in time. Überwachung, by contrast, observes operation continuously so that deviations can be detected and action can be taken.
Während des Betriebs übernimmt ein Sensorsystem die ständige Überwachung der Maschine.
While the machine is operating, a sensor system continuously monitors it.
Am Morgen führt die Technikerin eine Kontrolle der Maschine durch.
In the morning, the technician checks the machine.
