utensil
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utensil
An object, tool, or aid that is needed for a particular purpose or specific activity. It is very often used in the plural.
Ein Pinsel ist ein unverzichtbares Utensil für einen Maler.
A brush is an essential utensil for a painter.
Although the singular 'das Utensil' (the utensil) exists, the word is almost always used in the plural, 'die Utensilien' (utensils). It then refers to a collection of tools for a specific task.
Bitte räum nach dem Kochen alle Küchenutensilien wieder auf.
Please put away all the kitchen utensils again after cooking.
'Utensilien' (utensils) often appears in compound words that describe the purpose of the objects more precisely. Typical examples are 'Schreibutensilien' (writing utensils), 'Küchenutensilien' (kitchen utensils), or 'Malerutensilien' (painting supplies).
Für den Malkurs müssen wir unsere eigenen Malerutensilien mitbringen.
For the painting course, we have to bring our own painting supplies.
'Utensil' is a specific and slightly formal word. It emphasizes the function of the objects for a particular purpose.
Der Chirurg bereitete seine sterilen Utensilien für die Operation vor.
The surgeon prepared his sterile utensils for the operation.
device / apparatus
'das Gerät' and 'das Utensil' both refer to objects that you use for a purpose. 'das Gerät' is usually more technical: it often has a function, a motor, electricity, or a particular mechanism. 'das Utensil' is more general and means an aid or tool for an activity, often smaller things like 'Küchenutensilien' (kitchen utensils), 'Schreibutensilien' (writing supplies), or 'Bastelutensilien' (craft supplies). They can be confused because both are useful objects. When technology is the focus, 'Gerät' fits better. When you mean simple tools, aids, or accessories, 'Utensil' sounds more natural.
Für den Malkurs brauchst du nur wenige Utensilien: Pinsel, Papier und Farben.
For the painting course, you only need a few utensils: brushes, paper, and paints.
Nach dem Umzug schließen wir das neue Gerät in der Küche an.
After the move, we plug in the new device in the kitchen.