silencer / muffler
Loading your saved state.
muffler
A component in the exhaust system of a combustion engine, for example in a car or motorcycle, that reduces the noise of the escaping gases.
Mein Auto ist so laut, weil der Schalldämpfer durchgerostet ist.
My car is so loud because the muffler has rusted through.
silencer
A device attached to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the noise and muzzle flash of the shot.
Der Spion schraubte den Schalldämpfer auf seine Pistole.
The spy screwed the silencer onto his pistol.
The word is a clear compound of 'Schall' (sound, noise) and 'Dämpfer' (damper). A 'Dämpfer' is something that reduces or weakens something (from the verb 'dämpfen' (to dampen)). A 'Schalldämpfer' is therefore literally a 'noise reducer.'
Ohne Schalldämpfer wäre der Lärm des Motors unerträglich.
Without a muffler, the noise of the engine would be unbearable.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. In connection with vehicles such as 'Auto' (car), 'Motorrad' (motorcycle), or 'Auspuff' (exhaust), it always means the engine component. In contexts with 'Pistole' (pistol), 'Gewehr' (rifle), or 'schießen' (to shoot), it refers to the device for a weapon.
Der Mechaniker muss den Schalldämpfer am Auto austauschen.
The mechanic has to replace the muffler on the car.
In the context of vehicles, a 'Schalldämpfer' (muffler) is often 'kaputt' (broken), 'durchgerostet' (rusted through), or 'undicht' (leaky). You then have to have it 'wechseln' (changed) or 'austauschen' (replaced) at the repair shop.
Man hört sofort, dass dein Schalldämpfer kaputt ist.
You can hear right away that your muffler is broken.
In connection with firearms, a 'Schalldämpfer' (silencer) is typically 'auf die Waffe schrauben' (screwed onto the weapon), 'anbringen' (attached), or 'benutzen' (used). This meaning is often found in films, books, or news reports.
Er schraubte den Schalldämpfer auf die Pistole, um leise zu sein.
He screwed the silencer onto the pistol to be quiet.
exhaust
The Auspuff is the entire system that directs exhaust gases from the engine to the outside. The Schalldämpfer is a specific component of this system and reduces the noise of the escaping gases. Use Auspuff for the entire exhaust system and Schalldämpfer more precisely for the noise-reducing component.
Die Werkstatt ersetzt den beschädigten Schalldämpfer, weil das Auto plötzlich sehr laut ist.
The garage is replacing the damaged muffler because the car has suddenly become very loud.
Die Werkstatt ersetzt den verrosteten Auspuff, weil Abgase unter dem Auto austreten.
The garage is replacing the rusted exhaust because exhaust fumes are escaping underneath the car.
