setback / steamer / damper
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setback
An event or piece of news that noticeably reduces the joy, optimism, or enthusiasm of a person or group. It is a setback or disappointment.
Die unerwartete Niederlage war ein herber Dämpfer für die Moral der Mannschaft.
The unexpected defeat was a serious setback for the team's morale.
steamer
A special cooking pot or an insert for a pot used to gently cook food with hot steam.
Für das Gemüse benutze ich immer einen Dämpfer, damit die Vitamine erhalten bleiben.
I always use a steamer for the vegetables so that the vitamins are preserved.
damper / silencer
A technical device that reduces or absorbs vibrations, shocks, or sounds. Examples include shock absorbers in vehicles or silencers on weapons and musical instruments.
Der Pianist nutzte das linke Pedal, den Dämpfer, um die Töne leiser und weicher klingen zu lassen.
The pianist used the left pedal, the damper, to make the notes sound quieter and softer.
The noun 'der Dämpfer' is derived from the verb 'dämpfen'. The verb has three relevant meanings: to dampen something (such as joy), to steam food (cook it), and to dampen vibrations. The noun describes either the result or the instrument used for it.
Die Nachricht dämpfte seine gute Laune.
The news dampened his good mood.
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If it is about feelings, plans, or hopes, it means a setback. In the context of cooking and the kitchen, it means a pot or steamer. If it is about technology, vehicles, or music, it refers to a device for reducing shocks or sound.
Die Absage war ein Dämpfer für seine Pläne.
The cancellation was a setback for his plans.
In the figurative meaning, 'Dämpfer' (setback) is often combined with adjectives such as 'herb' (serious/severe), 'empfindlich' (significant), or 'ordentlich' (considerable). Typical verbs are 'einen Dämpfer bekommen' (to suffer a setback) or 'einen Dämpfer erhalten' (to receive a setback).
Die Kritik des Chefs war ein herber Dämpfer für seine Motivation.
The boss's criticism was a serious setback for his motivation.
In the technical meaning, 'Dämpfer' (damper) is often part of compound words that describe the function more precisely. The most common are 'der Stoßdämpfer' (shock absorber, in cars) and 'der Schalldämpfer' (silencer, on weapons or engines).
An meinem Auto muss ein Stoßdämpfer ausgetauscht werden.
A shock absorber on my car needs to be replaced.
disappointment
A Dämpfer is the event or piece of news that reduces joy, optimism, or enthusiasm. Enttäuschung, by contrast, refers to the feeling it causes. Use Dämpfer for the setback itself and Enttäuschung for the reaction to it.
Die abgesagte Reise war ein Dämpfer für unsere Vorfreude.
The canceled trip put a damper on our excitement.
Die Enttäuschung über die abgesagte Reise war groß, weil wir uns darauf gefreut hatten.
We were very disappointed that the trip was canceled because we had been looking forward to it.
