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.
rapporteur
A member of a parliament or committee who is assigned to prepare and present a report on a specific topic or draft law.
Als Berichterstatter für den Haushaltsausschuss musste er den Entwurf der Regierung genau prüfen.
As rapporteur for the budget committee, he had to examine the government's draft carefully.
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.
reporter
A Reporter and a Berichterstatter can both report on a current event or a meeting. Reporter tends to refer to journalistic, often immediate media work. Berichterstatter is especially appropriate when someone has been officially assigned to prepare a report for a parliament or committee.
Der Berichterstatter legt dem Ausschuss seinen Bericht zum Gesetzentwurf vor.
The rapporteur submits his report on the draft law to the committee.
Der Reporter berichtet live aus dem Sitzungssaal über die Debatte.
The reporter is reporting live from the meeting room on the debate.
