representative
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representative
A person who has been elected by citizens to represent their interests in a parliament.
Der Abgeordnete hielt eine Rede zum neuen Klimaschutzgesetz.
The representative gave a speech about the new climate protection law.
The word 'Abgeordneter' (representative) is derived from the verb 'abordnen' (to delegate/send as a representative), which means 'to send someone as a representative.' An 'Abgeordneter' (representative) is therefore literally a person who has been delegated to represent a group.
Die Firma hat einen Experten abgeordnet, um an der Konferenz teilzunehmen.
The company delegated an expert to take part in the conference.
'Abgeordneter' (representative) is a nominalized adjective and is declined like one. After a definite article (der, die, das), it ends in -e in the nominative and in -en in all other cases.
Der Abgeordnete diskutiert mit den Bürgern.
The representative is discussing with the citizens.
In a political context, 'Abgeordneter' (representative) is often used with certain verbs and prepositions. Typical phrases are: 'ein Abgeordneter sein' (to be a representative), 'als Abgeordneter gewählt werden' (to be elected as a representative), or 'für/gegen einen Antrag stimmen' (to vote for/against a motion).
Er wurde als Abgeordneter für seinen Wahlkreis in den Landtag gewählt.
He was elected as a representative for his constituency to the state parliament.
politician
'der Politiker' and 'der Abgeordnete' both refer to people who can work in politics. However, 'Politiker' is the more general term. It can be a person with a political office, for example a minister or mayor. 'Abgeordneter' is more specific: this person has been elected and represents citizens in a parliament. The words can be confused because many representatives are also politicians. But not every politician is automatically an elected representative.
Der Abgeordnete spricht im Parlament über die Probleme der Schulen.
The representative speaks in parliament about the problems facing schools.
Der Politiker erklärt im Interview, warum er das neue Gesetz unterstützt.
The politician explains in the interview why he supports the new law.