reporter / rapporteur
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reporter
A person who reports on an event, meeting, or development, usually a journalist or correspondent for the media.
Der Berichterstatter aus dem Krisengebiet schickte täglich neue Informationen an die Redaktion.
The reporter from the crisis area sent new information to the editorial office every day.
The word is made up of 'Bericht' (report) and 'erstatten' (to give or submit). A Berichterstatter is therefore literally a person who gives a report, meaning someone who informs others about something.
Der Berichterstatter informierte live über die aktuellen Entwicklungen.
The reporter provided live information about the latest developments.
The context tells you whether a journalist or a politician is meant. Words like 'Medien' (media), 'Zeitung' (newspaper), or 'Krisengebiet' (crisis area) point to a journalist. Terms like 'Parlament' (parliament), 'Ausschuss' (committee), or 'Gesetzentwurf' (draft law) indicate the political function.
Der Berichterstatter für die Tagesschau meldet sich aus Washington.
The reporter for the Tagesschau is reporting from Washington.
In a political context, a Berichterstatter is often responsible 'für' (for) a specific topic or committee. He or she then 'erstellt' (prepares) or 'präsentiert' (presents) a report.
Sie wurde zur Berichterstatterin für den Finanzausschuss ernannt.
She was appointed rapporteur for the finance committee.
journalist
'Journalist' and 'Berichterstatter' can both mean people who pass on information for the media. 'Journalist' names the profession in general and includes many tasks such as research, writing, and interviews. 'Berichterstatter' places more emphasis on the specific task of reporting on a particular event, meeting, or development. The word sounds a little more formal than 'Journalist'. When speaking generally about the profession, 'Journalist' is more natural. When the person is reporting on a specific event, 'Berichterstatter' works well.
Nach der Sitzung fasst der Berichterstatter die wichtigsten Punkte zusammen.
After the meeting, the reporter summarizes the most important points.
Der Journalist arbeitet für eine große Online-Zeitung.
The journalist works for a large online newspaper.