booster
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booster shot
An additional dose of a vaccine that is given after the initial immunization in order to strengthen or refresh vaccine protection.
Ich habe mir gestern den Booster gegen Corona geholt.
I got my COVID booster shot yesterday.
The word 'Booster' is a direct loanword from English. In German, it is used with the same basic meaning of an 'amplifier' or 'drive' and has become established especially in technical and medical contexts.
Dieser Sieg war ein wichtiger Booster für die Moral des Teams.
This victory was an important boost for the team's morale.
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'Booster' from the context. If the topic is medicine or vaccinations, it means a booster shot. In connection with rockets or technology, it refers to a propulsion stage. With topics like motivation or career, the figurative meaning as a 'boost' is meant.
Die Rakete zündete planmäßig die zweite Booster-Stufe.
The rocket ignited the second booster stage as planned.
In a medical context, 'Booster' is often combined with verbs such as 'sich holen' (to get), 'bekommen' (to receive), or 'sich geben lassen' (to have administered). The compound 'Booster-Impfung' (booster vaccination/booster shot) is also very common.
Viele Menschen haben sich bereits den zweiten Booster geben lassen.
Many people have already had the second booster administered.
In its figurative meaning, 'Booster' is often used for abstract things that have a positive effect. Typical phrases are 'ein Booster für das Selbstvertrauen' (a boost for self-confidence) or 'ein Booster für die Wirtschaft' (a boost for the economy).
Die positive Rückmeldung war ein Booster für seine Motivation.
The positive feedback was a boost for his motivation.
impulse / momentum
'der Impuls' and 'der Booster' can both describe something that brings energy or movement into something. 'Impuls' is a stimulus that sets off a thought or action. In a figurative sense, 'Booster' is more likely to mean something that strengthens existing energy, motivation, or success. The words can be confused because both can have a positive driving effect. If something provides the beginning, 'Impuls' is more precise. If something gives an additional boost, 'Booster' is more natural.
Das freie Wochenende war ein echter Booster für meine Stimmung.
The free weekend was a real boost for my mood.
Der Kurs hat ihr den Impuls gegeben, sich intensiver mit Technik zu beschäftigen.
The course gave her the impulse to engage more deeply with technology.