Dear all, this is admittedly a somewhat shallow, language-related question; but I’ve been wondering what would be the best English translation of the word “Geothermie” that is widely used in the German-speaking countries. There are several terms that come somewhat close, such as ‘geothermal energy’, ‘geothermal technology’, 'geothermal resources', or ‘geothermal power’ – but none of them actually mean exactly the same. ‘Geothermal’ is sometimes used independently (similar to ‘seismic’), but that is, strictly speaking, incorrect (well, it is an adjective); likewise, ‘geothermy’ doesn’t seem to be a valid expression. Any suggestions? Thanks, Martin
The term “geothermal energy” accurately captures the essence of “Geothermie” and is widely used in English-speaking countries to refer to this form of renewable energy. Hope this helps.
Dear Martin Schmieder ,
The question is good. 'Geotherm' If used in Hungarian likewise as a foreign word. In this language it is used as an adjective. meaning: heat attributable to Earth (emitted by this planet).
But in your question the term is: Geothermie...'
This affix 'ie' change the adjective 'geotherm' into a noun: 'Geothermie'.
Since the Hungarian language of science has adopted many words from German, the origins of which are sometimes Latin and sometimes Greek, so the meaning here is clear
These kinds of words reffers to scinece 'geologia' (Geologie), szeimologia (seismologie),... (in this two is marked sciense with the Greek word: log (logos: basis)...
In case of geokémia (Goethermie), geokémia (Geochemie): it should also mean science!
In Hungarian, we encounter the incorrect approach described by you in the same way: geothermal is confused with the geothermie meaning: 'A „geotermikus” kifejezés görög eredetű, jelentése: földi meleg belső hőség( a szó szerinti jelentése).' ('The term "geothermal" is of Greek origin, meaning: Earth's warm internal heat (its literal meaning).''
You can find it here in the first sentence:
https://geoeng.hu/geotermia.html)
At the same time, in a scholarly narrative, we use the interpretation described here, as is also the case in Germany, 'I think'.
Regards,
Laszlo
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