chemist / pharmacist
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chemist
A person who has studied chemistry or works professionally in chemistry, for example in research or industry.
Der Chemiker im Labor analysiert die Wasserprobe.
The chemist in the laboratory is analyzing the water sample.
pharmacist
In some regions, especially in Switzerland, an outdated or regional term for a pharmacist.
Früher ging man für Medikamente zum Chemiker.
In the past, people went to the pharmacist for medicine.
The word is made up of 'Chemie' (chemistry) and the ending '-iker'. The ending '-iker' often refers to a person who works professionally or intensively with a particular field, as in 'Physiker' (physicist) or 'Informatiker' (computer scientist).
Als Chemiker arbeitet er an der Entwicklung neuer Materialien.
As a chemist, he works on the development of new materials.
Careful: 'der Chemiker' (the chemist) is not the same as the English word 'chemist' in every situation. In Germany, a 'Chemiker' is a scientist. The person who sells medicine in a pharmacy has a different job title.
Der Chemiker forscht im Labor an neuen Medikamenten.
The chemist is researching new medications in the laboratory.
The meaning 'Apotheker' (pharmacist) is regionally limited and is considered outdated today. It is mainly still used in Switzerland or understood in historical contexts.
In der Schweiz fragte er einen Chemiker nach einem Mittel gegen Kopfschmerzen.
In Switzerland, he asked a pharmacist for a remedy for headaches.
pharmacist
In a Swiss pharmacy, both words may be used for the person who provides advice. “Apotheker” is the standard professional term, while “Chemiker” is used regionally or in an outdated sense there to refer to a pharmacist. In present-day Standard German, “Apotheker” is normally the appropriate term, although “Chemiker” may also be encountered in Switzerland.
In der Schweizer Apotheke berät mich der Chemiker zu dem Medikament.
At the Swiss pharmacy, the pharmacist advises me about the medication.
In der Schweizer Apotheke berät mich der Apotheker zu dem Medikament.
At the Swiss pharmacy, the pharmacist advises me about the medication.
