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
der Hotspot
hotspot
A place or region with a particularly high concentration of something; a focal point or center.
EXAMPLE
Diese Bar in der Innenstadt ist ein beliebter Hotspot für junge Leute.
This bar in the city center is a popular hotspot for young people.
der Hotspot
hotspot
An area with an unusually high number of cases of illness during an epidemic or pandemic.
EXAMPLE
Der Landkreis wurde wegen der hohen Infektionszahlen zum Corona-Hotspot erklärt.
The district was declared a COVID hotspot because of the high infection numbers.
der Hotspot
hotspot
In geology, an especially hot zone in the Earth's mantle that causes volcanism at the Earth's surface.
EXAMPLE
Die Inselkette von Hawaii ist durch einen Hotspot unter der Pazifischen Platte entstanden.
The island chain of Hawaii was formed by a hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate.
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 Brennpunkt
focal point / hotspot
Both words can refer to a place with a striking concentration of a problem. Hotspot particularly emphasizes an unusually high number of cases of illness, while Brennpunkt more strongly refers to a problematic or conflict-ridden center of activity. Use Hotspot for high numbers of cases and Brennpunkt for conflicts or public attention.
Hotspot
Das Viertel wurde wegen der vielen Krankheitsfälle zum Hotspot der Region.
The neighborhood became a regional hotspot because of the large number of cases of illness.
Brennpunkt
Das Viertel gilt wegen der täglichen Konflikte als sozialer Brennpunkt.
The neighborhood is considered a social flashpoint because of the daily conflicts.
In real life
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