agent
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agent / spy
A person who works secretly for an intelligence service, a government, or another organization in order to obtain information or carry out covert operations.
Der Agent wurde enttarnt und musste das Land sofort verlassen.
The agent was exposed and had to leave the country immediately.
agent / representative
A person or company that professionally represents someone, e.g. an artist, athlete, or author, and handles their business affairs.
Der junge Fußballer wird von einem sehr erfahrenen Agenten beraten.
The young footballer is advised by a very experienced agent.
agent
In science, a substance, organism, or factor that produces a certain effect or reaction.
Bei der Untersuchung wurde ein bislang unbekanntes biologisches Agent entdeckt.
During the investigation, a previously unknown biological agent was discovered.
The meaning of 'Agent' (agent) becomes clear from context. Words like 'Geheimdienst' (intelligence service) or 'Spion' (spy) point to a spy. Names of professions like 'Sportler' (athlete) or 'Künstler' (artist) point to a representative. A scientific context points to an active substance.
Der Fußballstar hat einen neuen Agenten engagiert.
The football star has hired a new agent.
To make the espionage meaning clear, the word 'Geheimagent' (secret agent) is used very frequently. This avoids any ambiguity.
James Bond ist der berühmteste Geheimagent der Filmgeschichte.
James Bond is the most famous secret agent in film history.
An 'Agent' (agent) who represents someone often works for an 'Agentur' (agency). This word connection helps you recognize and reinforce the meaning 'representative'.
Meine Agentin arbeitet für eine große Literaturagentur in Berlin.
My agent works for a large literary agency in Berlin.
The meaning 'wirkender Faktor' (active factor/agent) is purely technical language and is used almost exclusively in scientific texts, e.g. chemistry, biology, or medicine.
Das infektiöse Agent konnte im Labor identifiziert werden.
The infectious agent was identified in the laboratory.
representative / substitute
Vertreter is the general term for someone who acts on behalf of another person. In this context, Agent more specifically refers to a person or company that professionally represents artists, athletes, or authors and manages their business affairs.
Der Agent der Autorin verhandelt den Vertrag mit dem Verlag.
The author's agent is negotiating the contract with the publisher.
Ein Vertreter der Autorin unterschreibt den Vertrag in ihrem Auftrag.
A representative of the author is signing the contract on her behalf.
