refreshment / strengthening
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refreshment
A meal or drink that you consume in order to regain your strength, especially after exertion.
Nach der langen Wanderung kehrten wir im Gasthaus für eine kleine Stärkung ein.
After the long hike, we stopped at the inn for a small refreshment.
The word 'Stärkung' (refreshment/strengthening) belongs to a word family based on the adjective 'stark' (strong). From 'stark' comes the verb 'stärken' (to strengthen / to make something strong). The ending '-ung' turns the action back into a noun: die Stärkung.
Eine gute Suppe stärkt den Körper.
A good soup strengthens the body.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about a person eating or drinking, it refers to a meal or refreshment. If it is about abstract things like the economy, rights, or the immune system, it refers to the process of making something stronger.
Vor dem Wettkampf braucht der Athlet eine kleine Stärkung.
Before the competition, the athlete needs a small refreshment.
When a meal is meant, 'Stärkung' (refreshment) is often combined with 'klein' (small). Typical verbs are 'eine Stärkung brauchen' (to need a refreshment), 'eine Stärkung zu sich nehmen' (to have/take a refreshment), or 'für eine Stärkung einkehren' (to stop somewhere for a refreshment).
Nach dem Spaziergang brauchten wir dringend eine Stärkung.
After the walk, we urgently needed a refreshment.
In this meaning, 'Stärkung' (strengthening) is very often used with a genitive object or the preposition 'von' to say what is being strengthened. Abstract concepts are typical.
Das Projekt dient der Stärkung der internationalen Zusammenarbeit.
The project serves to strengthen international cooperation.
reinforcement
'die Verstärkung' and 'die Stärkung' both have to do with more strength, security, or support. 'die Verstärkung' often means that something is made more intense or more stable, or that additional people come to help. 'die Stärkung' fits better when something is meant to become stronger, more resilient, or more influential, for example health, the economy, or a position. In addition, 'eine Stärkung' can also be a small meal or drink after exertion. Learners may confuse the words because both come from 'stark' (strong). A practical tip: for additional help from people, you usually say 'Verstärkung'; for more strength or resilience, often 'Stärkung'.
Nach der Wanderung brauchten wir erst einmal eine kleine Stärkung.
After the hike, we first needed a small refreshment.
Wegen der vielen Patienten bat die Ärztin um Verstärkung für den Nachmittag.
Because of the many patients, the doctor asked for reinforcements for the afternoon.