amplifier
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amplifier
An electronic device that increases the strength of an electrical signal, especially an audio signal.
Der Gitarrist schloss seine E-Gitarre an einen lauten Verstärker an.
The guitarist connected his electric guitar to a loud amplifier.
amplifier
Something or someone that intensifies an effect, a feeling, or a development.
Die sozialen Medien wirkten bei der Verbreitung der Nachricht als enormer Verstärker.
Social media acted as an enormous amplifier in spreading the news.
'Der Verstärker' (the amplifier) is derived from the verb 'verstärken' (to strengthen / to amplify), which means 'to make stronger'. The ending '-er' refers to the person or thing that performs this action. A 'Verstärker' is therefore something that amplifies something else.
Ein Mikrofon allein ist leise, es braucht einen Verstärker.
A microphone alone is quiet; it needs an amplifier.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about music, audio, or technology, the electronic device is meant. If it is about feelings, social developments, or abstract effects, the figurative meaning of an 'intensifier' is meant.
Für das Konzert brauchen wir einen neuen Verstärker.
We need a new amplifier for the concert.
In a technical context, a device is often 'an einen Verstärker anschließen' (connected to an amplifier), or you can 'aufdrehen' (turn up) the amplifier and 'leiser drehen' (turn it down).
Kannst du bitte den Verstärker etwas leiser drehen?
Could you please turn the amplifier down a little?
In the figurative meaning, 'Verstärker' (amplifier) is often used with the preposition 'für' (for) or the verbs 'wirken als' (to act as) or 'dienen als' (to serve as).
Die Medien dienten in diesem Fall als Verstärker der öffentlichen Meinung.
In this case, the media served as an amplifier of public opinion.
booster
Der Verstärker is an electronic device that amplifies an electrical signal, especially an audio signal. Der Booster is an additional technical device that increases power, pressure, or speed. Use Verstärker for increasing the strength of a signal and Booster for providing an additional boost in performance.
Der Verstärker erhöht das Audiosignal der Gitarre.
The amplifier increases the guitar's audio signal.
Der Booster erhöht beim Start den Schub der Rakete.
At launch, the booster increases the rocket's thrust.
