surveillance camera
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surveillance camera
A camera used for visual observation and recording of events in a particular area, usually for security reasons, traffic monitoring, or process control.
Am Eingang des Supermarktes wurde eine neue Überwachungskamera installiert, um Diebstähle zu verhindern.
A new surveillance camera was installed at the entrance to the supermarket to prevent theft.
The word consists of 'Überwachung' (surveillance/monitoring) and 'Kamera' (camera). 'Überwachung' itself comes from the verb 'überwachen' (to monitor someone/something). The 's' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two parts.
Die Polizei wertet die Aufnahmen der Überwachungskamera aus.
The police are evaluating the footage from the surveillance camera.
In connection with surveillance cameras, the verbs 'installieren' (to install), 'anbringen' (to attach), or 'montieren' (to mount) are often used when fixing them in a place.
Der Ladenbesitzer hat mehrere Überwachungskameras im Geschäft installiert.
The shop owner installed several surveillance cameras in the store.
A passive construction is very often used to express that someone or something is being recorded. Typical phrases are 'von einer Kamera aufgezeichnet werden' (to be recorded by a camera) or 'gefilmt werden' (to be filmed).
Der gesamte Vorfall wurde von einer Überwachungskamera aufgezeichnet.
The entire incident was recorded by a surveillance camera.
webcam
'die Webcam' and 'die Überwachungskamera' are both cameras that can record images or videos. But their purpose is different. A webcam is usually used on a computer or laptop, for example for video calls or a live stream on the internet. A surveillance camera watches an area, often for security, and frequently records. The words can be confused because both can be fixed in one place and send live images. When it is about communication, 'Webcam' is more natural. When it is about control, security, or observation, 'Überwachungskamera' fits.
Am Eingang des Geschäfts hängt eine Überwachungskamera.
There is a surveillance camera at the entrance to the shop.
Für den Online-Kurs schaltet Tom seine Webcam ein.
Tom turns on his webcam for the online course.