Defekte

Defekte is the German plural noun for Defekt, meaning a fault, defect, or malfunction in a device, component, system, or process. In technical usage, a Defekt is an imperfection that impairs function, reliability, or safety. The term is common in engineering, manufacturing, electronics, and quality assurance, as well as in everyday language to describe broken or underperforming items. The plural Defekte refers to multiple such faults.

Etymology: Defekt derives from French defect and Latin defectus and is cognate with the English defect. In German, Defekt is used both for physical defects and for faults that arise from design, manufacturing, wear, or environment.

Contexts: In manufacturing, Defekte are identified during quality control, testing, or field service and can trigger inspections, rework, recalls, or scrap. In electronics and software, a Defekt or Defektbeschreibung (defect report) records a malfunction. In medicine and biology, a Defekt can denote a structural abnormality or congenital defect. In geology or materials science, defects describe imperfections in lattices or crystals.

Detection and analysis: Defekte are detected through visual inspection, nondestructive testing (ultrasound, radiography, eddy current), functional testing, and failure analysis techniques. Root-cause analysis and salvage decisions aim to prevent recurrence.

Impact and management: Defekte reduce reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction and increase costs. Management approaches include quality control, preventive maintenance, Six Sigma, and adherence to standards and specifications. Effective defect management seeks timely detection, traceability, and corrective action.