turn signal / lure
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turn signal
A light on a vehicle that flashes to indicate that you want to turn or change lanes. It is also called a direction indicator.
Du musst vor dem Abbiegen den Blinker setzen.
You have to use your turn signal before turning.
The noun 'der Blinker' (turn signal / fishing lure) is derived directly from the verb 'blinken' (to blink/flash). So it describes something that intentionally lights up briefly and repeatedly.
Das Licht auf dem Turm blinkt in der Nacht.
The light on the tower flashes at night.
Whether it means the direction indicator on a car or the fishing lure can only be recognized from context. If the topic is traffic and vehicles, the first meaning is meant. If the topic is fishing, the second meaning is meant.
Der Autofahrer vor mir hat vergessen, den Blinker zu setzen.
The driver in front of me forgot to use his turn signal.
In the context of driving, 'der Blinker' (turn signal) is usually used with the verbs 'setzen' (to signal/use), 'einschalten' (to switch on), or 'betätigen' (to operate/use).
Bitte schalte den Blinker ein, bevor du die Spur wechselst.
Please switch on your turn signal before you change lanes.
crackpot / spinner
'Spinner' and 'Blinker' can both be artificial fishing lures. Both are meant to attract fish through movement or light. The difference is in their shape and effect: a 'Spinner' usually has one or more metal blades that rotate in the water. A 'Blinker' is more like a small metal plate that stands out through its movement and reflections of light. The words are easy to confuse because both are used in fishing and both can shine. If the rotating movement is important, 'Spinner' is more precise; for a simple reflective metal lure, people are more likely to say 'Blinker'.
Der silberne Blinker glänzte im Wasser und lockte einen Hecht an.
The silver lure shone in the water and attracted a pike.
Mit einem kleinen Spinner fing Max am Fluss einen Barsch.
Max caught a perch in the river with a small spinner.