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der Hotspot
hotspot
A place where public, usually wireless, internet access (Wi-Fi) is provided.
example
Gibt es in diesem Hotel einen kostenlosen Hotspot für die Gäste?
Is there a free hotspot for guests in this hotel?
der Hotspot
hotspot
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Hotspot' is a word from English that was adopted directly into German. It is made up of 'hot' and 'spot,' which nicely describes the idea of a 'Brennpunkt' (focal point) or 'aktiver Punkt' (active point).
EXAMPLE
Am Flughafen gibt es mehrere Hotspots mit freiem Internetzugang.
At the airport, there are several hotspots with free internet access.
Context clue
You can always recognize the exact meaning of 'Hotspot' (hotspot) from context. If it is about the internet and technology, Wi-Fi access is meant. If it is about diseases, it means an area with many cases. In connection with tourism or culture, it means a popular place.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mich mit dem Hotspot verbinden, um meine E-Mails zu prüfen.
I need to connect to the hotspot to check my emails.
Typical combinations
In a technical context, 'Hotspot' (hotspot) is often used with verbs such as 'einrichten' (to set up), 'suchen' (to look for), or 'sich verbinden' (to connect). Common combinations are 'ein mobiler Hotspot' (a mobile hotspot) or 'ein öffentlicher Hotspot' (a public hotspot).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du auf deinem Handy einen Hotspot für mich einrichten?
Can you set up a hotspot for me on your phone?
Register
The geological meaning of 'Hotspot' (hotspot) is purely technical language. You will encounter it almost only in texts or conversations about geosciences and volcanology.
EXAMPLE
In der Vorlesung haben wir über den Hotspot unter dem Yellowstone-Nationalpark gesprochen.
In the lecture, we talked about the hotspot beneath Yellowstone National Park.
Compare with
Hotspot vs Zentrum
center
'das Zentrum' and 'der Hotspot' can both mean a place where a lot of something gathers or where a lot is happening. 'Zentrum' sounds more neutral and general. It fits places where certain services, people, or activities are concentrated. 'Hotspot' sounds more modern and often a bit stronger. It emphasizes that a place is currently especially noticeable, popular, or strongly affected. In factual or ordinary texts, 'Zentrum' is often calmer. 'Hotspot' fits better when you want to highlight a special concentration.
Hotspot
Der kleine Platz am Fluss ist im Sommer ein Hotspot für junge Leute.
In summer, the small square by the river is a hotspot for young people.
Zentrum
Das neue Gebäude wird ein Zentrum für Kultur und Weiterbildung.
The new building will become a center for culture and continuing education.
In real life
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