voyeur / tensioner
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voyeur
A strongly derogatory term for a person (usually a man) who secretly watches other people, especially while they are undressing or during intimate acts, in order to become sexually aroused; a voyeur.
Die Nachbarin rief die Polizei, weil sie einen Spanner an ihrem Fenster bemerkt hatte.
The neighbor called the police because she had noticed a voyeur at her window.
tensioner
A technical component or tool used to tighten something, make it taut, or keep it under tension, for example a V-belt in an engine or the chain of a bicycle.
In der Werkstatt wurde festgestellt, dass der Spanner der Steuerkette ausgetauscht werden muss.
At the workshop, they determined that the timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced.
Both meanings derive from the verb 'spannen' (to tighten/stretch). In the technical sense, 'spannen' means to tighten something or pull it taut. Colloquially, 'spannen' can also mean to watch curiously or secretly.
Du musst die Gitarrensaiten noch etwas mehr spannen.
You still need to tighten the guitar strings a little more.
The meaning is only clear from context. If people, privacy, or a crime are being discussed, the negative term for a person is meant. In texts about technology, cars, or bicycles, it refers to the mechanical component.
Ein Zeuge hat den Spanner beobachtet und die Polizei gerufen.
A witness observed the voyeur and called the police.
As a term for a person, 'Spanner' (voyeur) is a strongly derogatory insult. It expresses disgust and contempt and is used in colloquial language.
Sie beschimpfte den Mann als widerlichen Spanner.
She insulted the man, calling him a disgusting voyeur.
In the technical meaning, 'Spanner' (tensioner) is often part of compound words that specify the function. Examples are 'der Kettenspanner' (chain tensioner) or 'der Riemenspanner' (belt tensioner).
Der Mechaniker muss den Kettenspanner am Motorrad austauschen.
The mechanic has to replace the chain tensioner on the motorcycle.
voyeur
Spanner and Voyeur can both refer to someone who secretly watches others in intimate situations for sexual arousal. Spanner is clearly colloquial and strongly derogatory; Voyeur can be used more objectively and especially emphasizes the sexual arousal gained from watching.
Die Nachbarin beschimpfte den Mann, der sie beim Umziehen beobachtet hatte, als Spanner.
The neighbor called the man who had watched her while she was changing a Spanner.
Im Bericht wurde der Mann, der sie beim Umziehen zur sexuellen Erregung beobachtet hatte, als Voyeur bezeichnet.
The report referred to the man who had watched her changing for sexual arousal as a voyeur.
