trigger
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trigger
In psychology, a specific stimulus (e.g., a smell, an image, a sound) that triggers an involuntary and often distressing memory or reaction, especially in connection with trauma.
Das laute Knallen war für den Kriegsveteranen ein Trigger, der Panik auslöste.
The loud bang was a trigger for the war veteran that set off panic.
'Trigger' is a loanword from English that has been adopted into German. It is usually used with English pronunciation and has become established especially in psychology and technical fields.
In der IT kann ein bestimmter Wert in der Datenbank als Trigger für eine automatische E-Mail dienen.
In IT, a specific value in the database can serve as a trigger for an automatic email.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Trigger' (trigger) from context. In psychological or everyday conversations about feelings, it means a stimulus that triggers a memory. In technical or process-oriented contexts, it is the trigger for an automated procedure.
Für manche Menschen ist der Geruch von Desinfektionsmittel ein Trigger für Krankenhaus-Erinnerungen.
For some people, the smell of disinfectant is a trigger for memories of hospitals.
In a psychological context, 'Trigger' (trigger) is often used with verbs like 'auslösen' (to trigger/set off) or 'sein' (to be). Typical formulations are 'etwas löst einen Trigger aus' (something triggers a trigger) or 'etwas ist ein Trigger für jemanden' (something is a trigger for someone).
Ein bestimmtes Lied kann für sie ein Trigger sein, der sie traurig macht.
A certain song can be a trigger for her that makes her sad.
reason / occasion
'der Anlass' and 'der Trigger' can both refer to something that triggers a reaction or a process. 'Anlass' is a normal German word for a reason or trigger, often for actions, conversations, or events. 'Trigger' is used more when a specific stimulus starts a direct reaction, for example in psychology or in technical contexts. In everyday language, 'Trigger' sounds more modern and more specific, but it is not always appropriate. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'auslösen' (to trigger / set off). If you are talking generally about the reason for something, 'Anlass' is usually more natural; if you mean a concrete stimulus or technical trigger, 'Trigger' fits better.
Das laute Geräusch war für sie ein Trigger und machte sie sofort nervös.
The loud noise was a trigger for her and immediately made her nervous.
Der Streit war der Anlass für ein langes Gespräch im Team.
The argument was the reason for a long discussion in the team.