device / apparatus
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device / apparatus
A technical construction or apparatus developed for a specific purpose in order to make a task easier or possible. It is often a mechanical aid.
Mit dieser speziellen Vorrichtung kann man Flaschen schnell und sicher verschließen.
With this special device, bottles can be closed quickly and safely.
The word is derived from the verb 'vorrichten', which means 'to prepare or set something up for a purpose.' A 'Vorrichtung' (device) is therefore the result: an object that has been prepared for a specific task.
Der Mechaniker baute eine einfache Vorrichtung, um das Rad festzuhalten.
The mechanic built a simple device to hold the wheel in place.
'Vorrichtung' (device/apparatus) is a rather technical and formal term. You often find it in instructions, patents, or in the specialized language of engineers. In everyday language, people would usually say 'Gerät' (device) or 'Hilfsmittel' (aid/tool).
Die Gebrauchsanweisung beschreibt die Montage der Haltevorrichtung.
The user manual describes the assembly of the holding device.
Common verbs used with 'Vorrichtung' (device) are 'eine Vorrichtung anbringen' (to attach/install a device), 'eine Vorrichtung benutzen' (to use a device), or 'eine Vorrichtung konstruieren' (to construct a device). It is often described more specifically with adjectives such as 'mechanisch' (mechanical) or 'speziell' (special).
Für diesen Test müssen wir eine spezielle Messvorrichtung anbringen.
For this test, we need to attach a special measuring device.
facility / attachment / investment
'die Anlage' and 'die Vorrichtung' can both refer to something technical. 'Anlage' usually sounds larger and often means a whole system made up of several parts, for example 'eine Heizungsanlage' (a heating system) or 'eine Solaranlage' (a solar power system). 'Vorrichtung' more often means a single technical aid or apparatus that makes a specific task possible or easier. The words can be confused when a technical object consists of several parts. As a guide: an 'Anlage' is often the whole system, while a 'Vorrichtung' is more likely a single mechanism or a special aid within it.
Mit dieser Vorrichtung lässt sich die schwere Tür leichter öffnen.
With this device, the heavy door can be opened more easily.
Die neue Anlage auf dem Dach liefert Strom für das ganze Haus.
The new system on the roof supplies electricity for the whole house.