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.
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
'der Vertreter' and 'der Agent' can both refer to a person who acts professionally on behalf of someone else. 'Vertreter' is general and can act for a company, a group, or a person. 'Agent' fits especially when someone professionally represents artists, athletes, or authors and organizes contracts or jobs. Learners may confuse the words because both act on behalf of others. Also important: in another context, 'Agent' can mean an intelligence agent; that is not the case with 'Vertreter'.
Der Agent verhandelt für die Sängerin über den neuen Vertrag.
The agent is negotiating the new contract for the singer.
Im Hotel fragte der Gast nach einem Vertreter der Reisefirma.
At the hotel, the guest asked for a representative of the travel company.