efficiency
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efficiency
A physical or technical quantity that describes the ratio of usable output power to supplied input power. It is a measure of the efficiency of a device or process and is usually given as a percentage.
Moderne Elektromotoren erreichen einen Wirkungsgrad von über 95 Prozent.
Modern electric motors achieve an efficiency of over 95 percent.
The word consists of 'Wirkung' (effect), the linking -s, and 'Grad' (degree). So it literally describes the 'degree of effect' and is a measure of efficiency.
Der Wirkungsgrad gibt an, wie effizient Energie umgewandelt wird.
The efficiency indicates how efficiently energy is converted.
'Wirkungsgrad' (efficiency) is a technical term from engineering and physics. Even in the figurative, economic meaning, the word sounds very formal and analytical.
Im Physikunterricht haben wir den Wirkungsgrad einer Glühbirne berechnet.
In physics class, we calculated the efficiency of a light bulb.
Common verbs used with 'Wirkungsgrad' (efficiency) are 'haben' (to have), 'erreichen' (to achieve), 'erhöhen' (to increase), 'verbessern' (to improve), or 'steigern' (to raise/increase).
Mit der neuen Technologie konnten wir den Wirkungsgrad deutlich steigern.
With the new technology, we were able to significantly increase the efficiency.
You can recognize the literal meaning in the context of technical devices (motor, heating system, solar cell). You can recognize the figurative meaning in the context of economic or social topics (advertising, measure, investment).
Der Wirkungsgrad dieser Heizung ist sehr hoch.
The efficiency of this heating system is very high.
efficiency
'Effizienz' and 'Wirkungsgrad' both describe how well the energy, power, or resources used are utilized. 'Effizienz' is the more general word and fits work, organization, time, money, or energy. 'Wirkungsgrad' is especially precise in technology and physics: it states what portion of the supplied power actually comes out as usable output, often as a percentage. In a figurative sense, 'Wirkungsgrad' can also be used for measures or actions, but then it sounds more technical. Learners may confuse the words because both mean a good relationship between input and result. In everyday life and the office, 'Effizienz' usually sounds more natural; for motors, systems, or technical devices, 'Wirkungsgrad' does.
Der Wirkungsgrad der Solaranlage ist im Sommer besonders hoch.
The efficiency of the solar system is especially high in summer.
Die Lehrerin verbessert die Effizienz des Kurses mit klaren Aufgaben und kurzen Übungen.
The teacher improves the efficiency of the course with clear tasks and short exercises.