mouthpiece / speaking trumpet
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mouthpiece
A person, group, or medium (e.g. a newspaper) that publicly represents and spreads the opinions and views of another, usually larger group or organization.
Der Gewerkschaftsführer versteht sich als Sprachrohr der Arbeiter.
The union leader sees himself as the mouthpiece of the workers.
The word is made up of 'Sprache' (language/speech) and 'Rohr' (tube, funnel). This composition explains both the literal meaning as a sound amplifier and the figurative meaning as a mediator of opinions.
Die Zeitung sieht sich als Sprachrohr der Bürger.
The newspaper sees itself as the mouthpiece of the citizens.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context of politics, media, and expressing opinions. The literal, historical meaning is usually found in maritime or museum contexts.
Der Verband dient als Sprachrohr für kleine Unternehmen.
The association serves as a mouthpiece for small businesses.
In the figurative meaning, the constructions 'das Sprachrohr für jemanden/etwas sein' (to be the mouthpiece for someone/something) or 'als Sprachrohr für jemanden/etwas dienen' (to serve as the mouthpiece for someone/something) are often used.
Diese Organisation ist das offizielle Sprachrohr für die Interessen der Studenten.
This organization is the official mouthpiece for the interests of the students.
The literal meaning of a sound funnel is now almost only relevant historically or in museums. It describes an object that is hardly used anymore.
Im Schifffahrtsmuseum kann man alte Sprachrohre besichtigen.
In the maritime museum, you can view old speaking trumpets.
voice / vote
'die Stimme' and 'das Sprachrohr' can both have to do with an opinion in public. 'die Stimme' means the opinion or point of view itself, often that of a person or group. 'das Sprachrohr' is a person, group, or medium that carries this opinion outward on behalf of others. Learners may confuse the words because someone can be called 'die Stimme' of a group or its 'Sprachrohr' (mouthpiece). Strictly speaking, the 'Sprachrohr' is the intermediary; the 'Stimme' is what is meant to be heard.
Tom wurde im Gespräch zum Sprachrohr der Eltern.
During the discussion, Tom became the mouthpiece for the parents.
Die Mitarbeiterin sammelt die Stimmen der Teilnehmenden für den Kurs.
The employee collects the participants' opinions for the course.