wind turbine
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wind turbine
A technical installation that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. It typically consists of a tower, a nacelle, and a rotor with several blades.
Auf dem Hügel wurden mehrere neue Windkraftanlagen errichtet.
Several new wind turbines were built on the hill.
This long word is easy to understand if you break it down into its three parts: 'Wind' (wind) + 'Kraft' (power) + 'Anlage' (installation). So it is an installation that generates power, meaning energy, from wind.
Die Effizienz der Windkraftanlage hängt von der Windgeschwindigkeit ab.
The efficiency of the wind turbine depends on the wind speed.
In connection with wind turbines, the verbs 'errichten' (to erect/build), 'bauen' (to build), or 'betreiben' (to operate) are often used. When they are in operation, they 'erzeugen' (generate) or 'produzieren' (produce) electricity.
Die Gemeinde plant, drei neue Windkraftanlagen zu errichten.
The municipality plans to build three new wind turbines.
In technical texts, news reports, or the energy sector, the abbreviation 'WKA' is often used. A group of several turbines is called a 'Windpark' (wind farm).
Die Wartung der WKA ist für nächste Woche geplant.
Maintenance of the wind turbine is planned for next week.
wind turbine / pinwheel
'das Windrad' and 'die Windkraftanlage' can both mean a large technical installation that generates electricity using wind. In this sense, they are often very similar. 'Windrad' is shorter and very common in everyday language. 'Windkraftanlage' sounds more precise and more technical, for example in reports, planning, or at school. They can be confused because they often refer to the same object. But it is important to note: 'Windrad' can also mean a children's toy or the wheel of an old windmill. 'Windkraftanlage' only refers to the modern installation used to generate electricity.
Die Gemeinde plant eine neue Windkraftanlage in der Nähe der Autobahn.
The municipality is planning a new wind turbine near the highway.
Beim Spaziergang sahen die Kinder ein großes Windrad am Rand des Feldes.
During their walk, the children saw a large wind turbine at the edge of the field.