launcher
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launcher
A computer program that serves as a start interface for other applications or games. It makes it possible to organize, start, and manage software, especially on smartphones and for PC games.
Um das Spiel zu starten, musst du zuerst den Launcher des Herstellers installieren.
To start the game, you first have to install the manufacturer's launcher.
'Launcher' is a word from English, derived from 'to launch'. This verb means both 'starten' (to start, as with an app) and 'abschießen' (to launch/fire, as with a rocket), which explains the two German meanings.
Das englische Verb 'to launch' verbindet die beiden sehr unterschiedlichen Bedeutungen.
The English verb 'to launch' connects the two very different meanings.
You can always recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about computers, games, or apps, the software is meant. In texts about the military, weapons, or rockets, the launching device is meant.
Wenn dein Freund von seinem neuen Launcher spricht, meint er wahrscheinlich die Software auf seinem Handy.
If your friend talks about his new launcher, he probably means the software on his phone.
In an IT context, a launcher is often used with verbs such as 'installieren' (to install), 'starten' (to start), 'öffnen' (to open), or 'konfigurieren' (to configure).
Du musst den Launcher von Steam installieren, um das Spiel herunterladen zu können.
You have to install the Steam launcher in order to download the game.
In a military context, 'Launcher' often appears as part of compounds that describe the type of weapon more precisely, for example 'Raketen-Launcher' (rocket launcher) or 'Granat-Launcher' (grenade launcher).
Die Soldaten übten den Umgang mit dem neuen Granat-Launcher.
The soldiers practiced handling the new grenade launcher.
starter / appetizer
'der Starter' and 'der Launcher' can both have to do with starting something. In this meaning, 'der Starter' is a device that starts an engine, for example in a car. 'Der Launcher' is usually a program that you use to start and manage other programs or games. In another technical field, 'Launcher' can also be a device for launching rockets. The words can be confused because of their closeness to the English words 'start' and 'launch'. In German, the context decides: for engines and vehicles, it is more likely 'Starter'; for software, more likely 'Launcher'.
Nach dem Update öffnet der Launcher das Spiel deutlich schneller.
After the update, the launcher opens the game much faster.
Der Starter des alten Autos funktioniert bei Kälte oft nicht.
The starter in the old car often does not work in cold weather.