sponsor / carrier
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sponsor
An organization, institution, or person that has financial and legal responsibility for an institution (e.g., school, hospital, association).
Der Träger dieses Kindergartens ist eine private Elterninitiative.
The sponsor of this kindergarten is a private parents' initiative.
'Der Träger' is derived directly from the verb 'tragen' (to carry/wear). All meanings have to do with 'tragen': a person who carries a load, an institution that carries responsibility, or a beam that carries a ceiling.
Die Firma trägt die Kosten für das Projekt.
The company bears the costs for the project.
In this meaning, 'Träger' refers to an organization, not a person. You can recognize it from connections with words like 'Schule' (school) or 'Kindergarten' (kindergarten), or adjectives like 'öffentlich' (public) or 'privat' (private).
Die Stadt ist der öffentliche Träger der meisten Schulen.
The city is the public sponsor of most schools.
When architecture, construction, or structural engineering is being discussed, 'Träger' means a structural element. The material is often mentioned, e.g., 'Stahlträger' (steel beam) or 'Holzträger' (wooden beam).
Der rostige Stahlträger muss dringend ersetzt werden.
The rusty steel beam urgently needs to be replaced.
In a medical or biological context, a 'Träger' is a person or animal that carries something invisible within itself. Typical combinations are 'Träger eines Virus' (carrier of a virus) or 'Träger einer Erbkrankheit' (carrier of a hereditary disease).
Ein Gentest zeigte, dass sie Trägerin der Krankheit ist.
A genetic test showed that she is a carrier of the disease.
This meaning refers to fabric straps on clothing or bags. For example, people talk about the straps of a dress, overalls, or a backpack.
Kannst du mir helfen? Der Träger meines Rucksacks ist gerissen.
Can you help me? The strap of my backpack is torn.
support
'die Unterstützung' and 'der Träger' can both have to do with stability and supporting or carrying something. In buildings or technology, 'Unterstützung' is more generally something that helps keep something stable. A 'Träger', on the other hand, is a specific load-bearing structural element, for example a beam made of wood or steel. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with 'stützen' (to support) or 'tragen' (to carry / bear). In practice: if you are saying generally that something provides support, 'Unterstützung' fits. If you mean a concrete load-bearing structural element, 'Träger' is more precise.
Beim Umbau wurde ein neuer Träger aus Stahl in die Decke eingesetzt.
During the renovation, a new steel beam was installed in the ceiling.
Die alte Wand braucht eine zusätzliche Unterstützung, damit sie sicher steht.
The old wall needs additional support so that it stands safely.