turbo
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turbo
Short form of turbocharger; a component in an engine that increases its power by compressing the air supplied to it.
Mein neues Auto hat einen Turbo und beschleunigt sehr schnell.
My new car has a turbo and accelerates very quickly.
booster
In a figurative sense, something that strongly accelerates a process or development.
Die neue Software war ein echter Turbo für unsere Produktivität.
The new software was a real booster for our productivity.
'Turbo' (turbo) is the common short form of the technical word 'der Turbolader' (the turbocharger). This component increases an engine's power.
Ein Turbolader verdichtet die Luft, bevor sie in den Motor gelangt.
A turbocharger compresses the air before it enters the engine.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In connection with cars and engines, it refers to the technical component. In other areas such as business or careers, it is a metaphor for something that strongly accelerates a process.
Der Turbo in meinem Auto ist kaputt.
The turbo in my car is broken.
The word 'Turbo-' is often used as a prefix in new word formations to express high speed or intensity. Examples are 'Turbo-Abitur' (a faster path to the Abitur) or 'Turbo-Lernen' (turbo learning).
Mit diesem Kurs macht man quasi Turbo-Lernen für die Prüfung.
With this course, you're basically doing turbo learning for the exam.
In the figurative meaning, the expressions 'den Turbo einschalten' (to switch on the turbo) or 'den Turbo zünden' (to fire up the turbo) are very common. They mean that someone suddenly becomes much faster or more energetic in order to achieve a goal.
Wir müssen jetzt den Turbo einschalten, wenn wir das Projekt rechtzeitig fertigstellen wollen.
We need to switch on the turbo now if we want to finish the project on time.
engine / motor
In a figurative sense, both words can refer to something that moves a development forward. Motor is more often the central driving force, while Turbo highlights an additional strong boost and acceleration. Use “Motor” for the central force and “Turbo” for the reinforcing boost.
Die zusätzliche Finanzierung gab dem neuen Bildungsprojekt einen starken Turbo.
The additional funding gave the new education project a major boost.
Die engagierte Leiterin ist der Motor des neuen Bildungsprojekts.
The dedicated director is the driving force behind the new education project.
