decomposition / dismantling
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dismantling
The process in which a complex object, a machine, or a structure is taken apart into its individual parts.
Die Zerlegung des alten Motors dauerte mehrere Stunden.
The dismantling of the old engine took several hours.
decomposition
In mathematics, the process in which a number, a function, or another mathematical structure is divided into simpler components or factors. A well-known example is prime factorization.
Die Primfaktorzerlegung von 30 ist 2 mal 3 mal 5.
The prime factorization of 30 is 2 times 3 times 5.
cutting up
In butchery, the professional cutting up of a slaughtered animal carcass into the different cuts of meat.
Nach der Schlachtung erfolgt die Zerlegung des Schweins in die einzelnen Teilstücke.
After slaughter, the pig is cut up into the individual cuts.
'Zerlegung' (decomposition/dismantling) is derived from the verb 'zerlegen' (to take apart, to break down). The prefix 'zer-' expresses that something is destroyed into parts or divided up. The ending '-ung' turns it into a noun that describes the process.
Das Zerlegen alter Elektrogeräte ist ein wichtiger Teil des Recyclings.
Taking apart old electronic devices is an important part of recycling.
To say what is being taken apart or broken down, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). Both variants are correct and common.
Die Zerlegung des alten Schrankes war komplizierter als gedacht.
The dismantling of the old cabinet was more complicated than expected.
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'Zerlegung' (decomposition/dismantling) from the context. Words like 'Motor' (engine) or 'Maschine' (machine) point to the technical meaning, 'Zahl' (number) or 'Faktor' (factor) to the mathematical one, and 'Fleisch' (meat) or 'Tier' (animal) to the craft meaning in butchery.
Für die Reparatur ist die vollständige Zerlegung des Getriebes nötig.
For the repair, the complete dismantling of the transmission is necessary.
division / partition
Both words can divide a whole into several parts. „Teilung“ is the general term, while „Zerlegung“ suggests taking something completely apart into individual parts or analyzing it precisely. „Teilung“ works for a rough division, while „Zerlegung“ is more appropriate for precisely breaking down a structure.
Die Zerlegung des Systems in seine Einzelteile zeigt, wie es funktioniert.
Taking the system apart into its individual components shows how it works.
Die Teilung des Systems in drei Bereiche erleichtert die Übersicht.
Dividing the system into three areas makes it easier to see how it is organized.
