die
Applikation
🎯 What exactly is 'die Applikation'?
The word die Applikation (feminine) has several meanings, depending on the context:
- 💻 Technology & Computers: Here, an Applikation (often shortened to App) is an application program for computers or mobile devices. Examples include word processors, games, or social media apps.
- ⚕️ Medicine & Pharmacy: In this field, die Applikation refers to the administration or application of a medication or treatment (e.g., applying an ointment, giving an injection).
- 🧵 Arts & Crafts (Textiles): An Applikation here is a sewn-on or glued-on decoration on fabric, often made of a different material or color (e.g., a patch, embroidery). This is known as appliqué in English.
⚠️ Although the short form "App" is very common in the technical context, the full word "Applikation" is usually used in more formal settings or other contexts (medicine, crafts).
🧐 Grammar of 'die Applikation' in Detail
Die Applikation is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Applikation |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Applikation |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Applikation |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Applikation |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Applikationen |
| Genitive | der | Applikationen |
| Dative | den | Applikationen |
| Accusative | die | Applikationen |
💬 Example Sentences
- Technik: Hast du die neue Applikation schon heruntergeladen? (Have you downloaded the new application yet?)
- Medizin: Die Applikation der Salbe sollte zweimal täglich erfolgen. (The application of the ointment should be done twice daily.)
- Handwerk: Die Jacke hat eine schöne florale Applikation auf dem Rücken. (The jacket has a beautiful floral appliqué on the back.)
- Plural: Auf meinem Smartphone habe ich viele nützliche Applikationen installiert. (I have installed many useful applications on my smartphone.)
💡 How 'die Applikation' is Used
The usage of die Applikation strongly depends on the field:
- In IT, it's a common, albeit somewhat formal term for software. The short form "App" is more frequent in everyday language. People talk about Web-Applikationen (web applications), mobile Applikationen (mobile applications), or Desktop-Applikationen (desktop applications).
- In medicine and pharmacy, it describes the act of applying or administering. One might discuss the Art der Applikation (type of application, e.g., oral, topical, intravenous).
- In textile crafts and fashion, it refers to attached decorations (appliqué). It's a specific technical term.
Comparison: While Anwendung is a very general term for 'use' or 'application', Applikation is more specific and often used in technical or professional language. In the tech context, Programm (program) is often a synonym, but Applikation emphasizes user interaction more strongly.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Applikation'
For the article 'die': Most German nouns ending in "-tion" are feminine (die Aktion, die Station, die Information), and so is die Applikation. Think of "The informaTION is applicaTION".
For the meanings: Think of the English word "apply". You apply software (an App) to a task, you apply medicine to the body, and you apply decorations (appliqué) to fabric. Die Applikation covers all these forms of 'applying'.
↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- For software: Deinstallation (uninstallation)
- For medicine: Unterlassung (omission/non-application), Absetzung (discontinuation, e.g., of medication)
- (No direct antonym for the textile meaning)
Similar but different words:
- Implikation: Implication (a logical consequence or suggestion – unrelated to application).
- Applaus: Applause (sounds vaguely similar but completely different meaning).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Arzt den Informatiker: "Welche Applikation empfehlen Sie gegen Kopfschmerzen?"
Antwortet der Informatiker: "Schon mal 'STRG+ALT+ENTF' am Kopf probiert?" 😉
--- Translation ---
A doctor asks an IT specialist: "Which application do you recommend for headaches?"
The IT specialist replies: "Have you tried 'CTRL+ALT+DEL' on your head?" 😉
✍️ Poem about 'Applikation'
Die Applikation, klug und fein,
ob Software, Pflaster oder Schein
als Zierde auf dem Stoff gewebt,
hat stets ein Ziel, das sie belebt.
Auf Screens wischt man sie hin und her,
als Medizin hilft sie oft sehr.
Ein Wort, drei Welten, klar und schick,
Technik, Heilung, Nadelstich.
--- Translation ---
The application, smart and fine,
Be it software, plaster, or a design
As ornament on fabric weaved,
Always has a goal conceived.
On screens, you swipe it to and fro,
As medicine, it helps you grow.
One word, three worlds, clear and neat,
Tech, healing, needle's feat.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich wohne im Handy, klein und bunt,
tu' auf der Haut oft Heilung kund,
und ziere Kleider, wenn's gefällt.
Wie heiß ich wohl in dieser Welt?
→ Die Applikation
--- Translation ---
I live in the phone, small and bright,
On the skin, I often bring healing light,
And adorn clothes, if you desire.
What is my name in this world entire?
→ Die Applikation (The Application / Appliqué)
🌍 Other Information
Word Origin: The word Applikation comes from the Latin verb applicare, meaning "to attach," "to add," or "to apply." This original meaning is reflected in all its current uses.
Compounds: There are many compound words, especially in the technical field, such as:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Applikation?
The word Applikation is always feminine, so it's die Applikation. It has several meanings, primarily software (app), medical application/administration, or textile decoration (appliqué).