thrower / launcher
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thrower / pitcher
A person who throws something, especially an athlete in sports such as javelin throwing, discus throwing, or baseball.
Der Werfer im Baseballteam hat einen unglaublich schnellen Arm.
The pitcher on the baseball team has an incredibly fast arm.
The word 'Werfer' (thrower/launcher) is derived from the verb 'werfen' (to throw). The ending '-er' refers to a person or device that performs the action of the verb. This pattern is very common in German.
Ein guter Werfer muss Kraft und Präzision haben.
A good thrower needs strength and precision.
You can tell from the context whether a person or a device is meant. In a sports context (e.g., baseball, track and field), it always refers to a person. In military or technical contexts, it is usually a device.
Der Werfer des Teams ist für seine schnellen Würfe bekannt.
The team's thrower is known for his fast throws.
In the meaning 'Gerät' (device), 'Werfer' is often the second part of a compound noun. Examples are 'Flammenwerfer' (flamethrower), 'Granatwerfer' (grenade launcher), or 'Minenwerfer' (mine thrower/mortar).
Ein Flammenwerfer ist eine furchterregende Waffe.
A flamethrower is a terrifying weapon.
mortar
'Werfer' and 'Mörser' can both have to do with throwing, launching, or firing something in certain technical or military contexts. Still, they are not the same. A 'Werfer' is either a person who throws something or, more generally, a device that launches something. A 'Mörser' is either a vessel for crushing spices or medicines, or a specific military weapon. The words are especially easy to confuse because a military mortar also fires projectiles. 'Werfer' is more general, while 'Mörser' refers to something more specific.
Beim Training arbeitet der Werfer besonders an seiner Technik.
During training, the thrower works especially on his technique.
Für die Soße zerreibt sie die Kräuter in einem kleinen Mörser.
For the sauce, she grinds the herbs in a small mortar.