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.
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The meaning 'Apotheker' (pharmacist) is regionally limited and is considered outdated today.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
'Apotheker' and 'Chemiker' both have to do with substances and chemistry, but they normally refer to different professions. An 'Apotheker' works in a pharmacy, sells medicines, and advises customers about them. A 'Chemiker' is more likely to work in research, a laboratory, or industry and deals with chemical substances in general. The words can be confused because medicines also have to do with chemistry. In addition, in some regions, especially in Switzerland, 'Chemiker' can also mean a pharmacist. In normal Standard German, however, 'Apotheker' is more precise for the person in the pharmacy.
Der Chemiker untersucht im Labor, warum sich die Farbe der Flüssigkeit verändert.
The chemist investigates in the laboratory why the color of the liquid changes.
Der Apotheker erklärt mir, wie oft ich die Tabletten nehmen soll.
The pharmacist explains to me how often I should take the tablets.