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.
'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.
reinforcement
'die Verstärkung' and 'der Verstärker' both have to do with louder sound or a stronger signal. 'Verstärkung' refers to the process or the result: a signal becomes stronger. 'Verstärker' is the device that creates this amplification. Learners may confuse the words because they sound almost the same and appear in the same technical context. In practical terms: 'die Verstärkung' is what happens; 'der Verstärker' is the device.
Der Gitarrist stellt den Verstärker vor der Probe lauter.
The guitarist turns up the amplifier before rehearsal.
Für das Konzert brauchen wir eine bessere Verstärkung der Stimme.
For the concert, we need better amplification of the voice.