die Fernbedienung, -en
remote control
Ein kleines Gerät, mit dem man andere Geräte wie den Fernseher oder die Musikanlage aus der Entfernung steuern kann.
The German word "Fernbedienung" is a compound noun made up of "fern" (distant) and "Bedienung" (operation or control). It translates to "remote control" in English. "Fernbedienung" refers to a device used to control electronic equipment, such as a television or stereo, from a distance.
Similar words include "Fernsteuerung" (remote steering/control, often used for more complex systems like drones or machinery), though it implies a more general method of remote guiding or controlling. While "Remote-Control" can occasionally be used in certain German contexts, particularly for non-native terms, "Fernbedienung" is the standard term.
The difference lies in their usage contexts: "Fernbedienung" is commonly used for household electronics, whereas "Fernsteuerung" might be used in a technical or industrial context.
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Examples
Die Fernbedienung liegt auf dem Sofa.noun
The remote control is lying on the sofa.
Mit der Fernbedienung schaltet er den Fernseher ein.noun
He turns on the television with the remote control.
Die Fernbedienung liegt auf dem Tisch.noun
The remote control is on the table.
Ohne Fernbedienung blieb der Bildschirm schwarz, weil niemand den Fernseher bedienen konnte.noun
Without the remote control, the screen remained black because nobody could operate the television.
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