ignition
Loading your saved state.
ignition
The technical process of igniting a combustible mixture, especially in an engine.
Bei der Zündung wird das Benzin-Luft-Gemisch im Zylinder durch einen Funken entflammt.
During ignition, the gasoline-air mixture in the cylinder is ignited by a spark.
ignition
The technical component or system in a vehicle that is responsible for the ignition process.
Das Auto springt nicht an, wahrscheinlich ist die Zündung kaputt.
The car won't start; the ignition is probably broken.
spark / trigger
In a figurative sense, the triggering moment or impulse that sets a development or chain of events in motion.
Diese eine Rede war die Zündung für die gesamte Protestbewegung.
That one speech was the spark for the entire protest movement.
The noun 'die Zündung' (ignition) is derived from the verb 'zünden' (to ignite, to set alight). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or result of the action, a very common pattern in German.
Ein kleiner Funke genügt, um das Gas zu zünden.
A small spark is enough to ignite the gas.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about engines, technology, or physics, the technical process or component is meant. In connection with abstract ideas like 'Bewegung' (movement) or 'Protest' (protest), the figurative meaning of the triggering moment is meant.
Der Mechaniker überprüfte den Motor und die Zündung.
The mechanic checked the engine and the ignition.
In the context of vehicles, 'Zündung' (ignition) is often used with the verbs 'einschalten' (to switch on), 'ausschalten' (to switch off), or 'anmachen' (to turn on). A typical action when starting a car is 'die Zündung einzuschalten' (to switch on the ignition).
Bitte schalten Sie den Motor aus, aber lassen Sie die Zündung an.
Please turn off the engine, but leave the ignition on.
In the figurative meaning, the phrase 'die Zündung für etwas sein' (to be the spark/trigger for something) is often used. It describes the decisive impulse that starts a development.
Die Veröffentlichung des Berichts war die Zündung für eine landesweite Diskussion.
The publication of the report was the spark for a nationwide discussion.
inflammation
Zündung refers to the technical ignition of a combustible mixture, especially in an engine. In the meanings specified here, Entzündung, by contrast, refers to the body's reaction to an injury or infection. Therefore, Zündung, not Entzündung, is the correct term for the combustion process in an engine.
Im Motor bringt die Zündung das brennbare Gemisch zum Entflammen.
In the engine, the ignition ignites the combustible mixture.
Die Rötung und Schwellung an der Wunde weisen auf eine Entzündung hin.
The redness and swelling around the wound indicate inflammation.
