advocate / lawyer
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lawyer
An outdated or formal term for a lawyer. A person who is legally trained to represent clients in court.
In dem alten Roman beauftragte der Angeklagte einen berühmten Advokaten zu seiner Verteidigung.
In the old novel, the defendant hired a famous lawyer for his defense.
advocate
A spokesperson or committed defender of a particular cause, idea, or group of people.
Er machte sich zum Advokaten der Menschenrechte und kritisierte die Regierung scharf.
He became an advocate for human rights and sharply criticized the government.
The word 'Advokat' comes from the Latin 'advocatus', meaning 'the one called in'. This explains the formal and slightly outdated sound of the word in German.
Er trat als Advokat für eine gerechtere Sozialpolitik auf.
He appeared as an advocate for a fairer social policy.
In the meaning 'Rechtsanwalt' (lawyer), 'Advokat' is outdated today. You mainly find it in historical novels, films, or in a very formal, almost ironic context.
Der alte Herr sprach immer noch von seinem Advokaten, wenn er seinen Anwalt meinte.
The old gentleman still spoke of his advocate when he meant his lawyer.
When 'Advokat' is used figuratively, it is often followed by a genitive or a 'für' (for) construction that names the cause being supported. This shows that the profession of lawyer is not meant.
Sie ist eine bekannte Advokatin der Frauenrechte.
She is a well-known advocate of women's rights.
A common construction is 'sich zum Advokaten von jemandem/etwas machen' (to make oneself an advocate of someone/something). It means that you actively and publicly support a person or a cause.
Der Journalist machte sich zum Advokaten der unterdrückten Minderheit.
The journalist became an advocate for the oppressed minority.
lawyer
Anwalt and Advokat can both refer to the same kind of legally trained representative. Anwalt is the usual modern term, whereas Advokat sounds outdated or deliberately formal. In normal contemporary usage, Anwalt is therefore usually the better choice; Advokat is suitable for a historical or elevated style.
Im historischen Roman bespricht die Mandantin den Gerichtstermin mit ihrem Advokaten.
In the historical novel, the client discusses the court hearing with her lawyer.
Die Mandantin bespricht den heutigen Gerichtstermin mit ihrem Anwalt.
The client discusses today's court hearing with her lawyer.
