die  Apparatur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/aparaˈtuːɐ̯/

⚙️ What does 'die Apparatur' mean?

The German noun Apparatur (feminine, article: die) refers to a collection or setup of devices, instruments, or contraptions assembled and operated for a specific technical, scientific, or medical purpose. It often implies a more complex or extensive setup than a single device.

• Technical/Scientific Context: An arrangement of equipment in a laboratory (e.g., eine Destillationsapparatur - a distillation apparatus).
• Medical Context: Technical equipment used for examination or treatment (e.g., eine Beatmungsapparatur - a ventilation apparatus).
• Figurative Meaning (rare): Sometimes used for a complex administrative or organizational structure, though der Apparat is more common here.

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with 'der Apparat', which often refers to a single, smaller device (like ein Telefonapparat - a telephone set) but can also mean a system (like der Staatsapparat - the state apparatus).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Apparatur

The noun 'Apparatur' is feminine. The plural is 'die Apparaturen'.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Die chemische Apparatur im Labor ist sehr komplex.
   The chemical apparatus in the lab is very complex.
2. Der Arzt überprüfte die Funktion der Apparatur.
   The doctor checked the function of the apparatus.
3. Mit dieser Apparatur können präzise Messungen durchgeführt werden.
   Precise measurements can be carried out with this apparatus.
4. Wir müssen die Apparatur vorsichtig transportieren.
   We must transport the apparatus carefully.
5. Die Krankenhäuser benötigen moderne medizinische Apparaturen.
   The hospitals need modern medical apparatuses.

🔧 How to use 'Apparatur'?

'Apparatur' is mostly used in formal or technical/scientific language, particularly in:

• Science & Technology: Describing experimental setups, production systems, or complex equipment systems. Example: „Die Destillationsapparatur wurde sorgfältig aufgebaut.“ (The distillation apparatus was set up carefully.)
• Medicine: Referring to medical-technical devices or systems. Example: „Der Patient ist an eine Beatmungsapparatur angeschlossen.“ (The patient is connected to a ventilator/breathing apparatus.)
• Administration/Organization (less common): Sometimes synonymous with 'Apparat' for complex systems, but 'Apparat' is more frequent here. Example: „Die bürokratische Apparatur ist schwerfällig.“ (The bureaucratic apparatus is cumbersome.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Gerät: A more general term for a single tool or instrument. An Apparatur often consists of several Geräte.
• Vorrichtung: Often more specific and designed for a particular purpose; can be part of an Apparatur. Similar to device or contraption.
• Anlage: Usually refers to larger, often permanently installed systems (e.g., Produktionsanlage - production plant, Heizanlage - heating system).
• Instrumentarium: Specifically refers to a collection of instruments, often in a medical or scientific context.

🧠 Mnemonics

Remembering the article: Many German nouns ending in -ur are feminine: die Natur (nature), die Kultur (culture), die Zensur (censorship), die Tortur (ordeal)... and also die Apparatur!

Remembering the meaning: Think of the English word "apparatus". An Apparatur is a complex "apparatus", an almost 'ur-gent' (important/complex) assembly of devices!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Watch out!):

• Der Apparat: Can be a single device (Telefonapparat - telephone set) or a system (Staatsapparat - state apparatus). Often less complex than die Apparatur.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Chemiker seine komplizierte Apparatur „Barbara“ genannt?

Weil sie immer so viel Destillat!

Translation/Explanation: Why did the chemist name his complicated apparatus 'Barbara'? Because she always 'Destillat' so much! (It's a pun. 'Destillat' means distillate. 'Des still lacht' sounds similar and means 'laughs quietly about it'.)

📜 A Little Poem

Im Labor, ganz still und rein,
steht sie da, die Apparatur fein.
Aus Glas und Schlauch, ein Kunstgebild',
was sie wohl misst, forscht oder stillt?
Ein Summen leis', ein Tropfen fällt,
die Wissenschaft, die hier gefällt.

Translation:
In the lab, so quiet and pure,
stands the fine apparatus, demure.
Of glass and tube, an artful make,
what does it measure, research, or slake?
A soft hum sounds, a droplet falls,
science, that pleases within these walls.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bestehe aus Teilen, bin komplex und groß,
diener der Forschung, sitz' fest auf dem Schoß
der Wissenschaft oft, im Labor mein Zuhaus.
Was bin ich, sag an, löse den Strauß?

Translation:
I consist of parts, am complex and grand,
serving research, firmly held in the hand
of science often, my home in the lab.
What am I, tell me, solve this drab?
(Answer: The apparatus / Die Apparatur)

💡 Other Information

Word Origin: The word „Apparatur“ comes from the Latin word apparātus, meaning „equipment“, „preparation“, or „device“. The suffix „-ur“ in German often emphasizes the idea of a whole system or collection.

Compounds: The word is often used in compound nouns to specify its purpose, e.g.:

• Laborapparatur (laboratory apparatus)
• Destillationsapparatur (distillation apparatus)
• Beatmungsapparatur (ventilation/breathing apparatus)
• Messapparatur (measuring apparatus)