reinforcement
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reinforcement
The process of making something stronger, more intense, or more stable.
Die Verstärkung der Deiche ist wegen des Hochwassers dringend notwendig.
The reinforcement of the dikes is urgently necessary because of the flooding.
reinforcements
Additional people or resources sent to support a group.
Die Polizei forderte wegen der Demonstration Verstärkung an.
The police requested reinforcements because of the demonstration.
amplification
In technology, the increase of the amplitude or power of a signal, e.g. in acoustics or electronics.
Ohne eine elektronische Verstärkung wäre das Mikrofonsignal zu leise.
Without electronic amplification, the microphone signal would be too quiet.
reinforcement
In psychology, a stimulus or event that increases the likelihood that a certain behavior will occur again.
Lob ist eine Form der positiven Verstärkung, um erwünschtes Verhalten bei Kindern zu fördern.
Praise is a form of positive reinforcement used to encourage desired behavior in children.
'Verstärkung' (reinforcement) is derived directly from the verb 'verstärken' (to reinforce / strengthen). This verb means 'stärker machen' (to make stronger) (ver- + stark). The ending '-ung' turns it into a noun that describes the process or the result.
Wir müssen die alten Holzbalken verstärken.
We need to reinforce the old wooden beams.
In construction and material contexts, 'Verstärkung' (reinforcement) is often used for concrete objects. Typical combinations are the reinforcement of walls, foundations, dams, or even clothing.
Die Verstärkung der Burgmauer war eine teure Maßnahme.
The reinforcement of the castle wall was an expensive measure.
When referring to additional people, 'Verstärkung' (reinforcements) is often combined with the verbs 'anfordern' (to request), 'schicken' (to send), or 'bekommen' (to get). This is typical for the police, military, or emergency services.
Die belagerte Einheit hat dringend Verstärkung angefordert.
The besieged unit urgently requested reinforcements.
You can recognize this meaning from technical terms in the sentence. Words like 'Signal' (signal), 'Ton' (sound), 'elektronisch' (electronic), 'akustisch' (acoustic), or 'Amplitude' (amplitude) clearly point to technical amplification.
Die akustische Verstärkung in dem Konzertsaal ist exzellent.
The acoustic amplification in the concert hall is excellent.
In a psychological context, 'Verstärkung' (reinforcement) is a technical term. You can often recognize this meaning from the adjectives 'positiv' (positive) or 'negativ' (negative) and from words like 'Verhalten' (behavior) or 'Lernen' (learning).
Negative Verstärkung ist nicht dasselbe wie Bestrafung.
Negative reinforcement is not the same as punishment.
support
Unterstützung and Verstärkung can both refer to additional help for a group. Unterstützung is general and can also mean existing help or backing, whereas Verstärkung usually refers to people or resources newly arriving. Use Verstärkung when additional forces are deliberately added to a group.
Wegen des großen Andrangs schickte die Leitung zwei weitere Mitarbeiter als Verstärkung.
Because of the large crowds, management sent two more employees as reinforcements.
Das Team erhielt während der schwierigen Aufgabe Unterstützung von der Leitung.
The team received support from management during the difficult task.
