amateur
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amateur
A person who does an activity, especially a sport, as a hobby and not as a profession, and does not receive money for it.
Obwohl er nur ein Amateur ist, spielt er Tennis auf einem sehr hohen Niveau.
Although he is only an amateur, he plays tennis at a very high level.
amateur
A person who is inexperienced or clumsy in a particular area. This use is often derogatory.
Die Reparatur wurde so schlecht ausgeführt, da war wohl ein Amateur am Werk.
The repair was done so badly; an amateur must have been at work there.
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If it is about sports or an unpaid hobby, the word is neutral. But if poor quality of work or an action is being criticized, it has a negative meaning.
Er ist ein passionierter Amateur-Fotograf. (neutral)
He is a passionate amateur photographer. (neutral)
In its neutral meaning, 'Amateur' (amateur) is often the first part of compound nouns, especially in sports. Examples are 'der Amateursport' (amateur sports), 'die Amateurliga' (amateur league), or 'der Amateurvertrag' (amateur contract).
Die Regeln im Amateursport sind oft anders als bei den Profis.
The rules in amateur sports are often different from those for professionals.
When 'Amateur' (amateur) is used derogatorily, it describes a person as unprofessional or incompetent. It often appears in an exclamation of disappointment or criticism.
So ein Fehler darf einem Profi nicht passieren, das ist was für Amateure.
A professional shouldn't make a mistake like that; that's amateur stuff.
beginner
Amateur and Anfänger can describe a person with little experience. Anfänger describes an early stage of learning in a factual way; Amateur can additionally imply a lack of ability and sound derogatory. Choose Anfänger for a neutral description of someone’s level of experience and Amateur when this negative judgment is part of the meaning.
Der Trainer nannte den unerfahrenen Gitarristen einen Amateur.
The coach called the inexperienced guitarist an amateur.
Der unerfahrene Gitarrist ist noch Anfänger und übt jeden Abend.
The inexperienced guitarist is still a beginner and practices every evening.
