diplomat
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diplomat
A person who officially represents their country in another country and is responsible for maintaining international relations.
Der deutsche Diplomat wurde zu Gesprächen ins Außenministerium einberufen.
The German diplomat was summoned to the Foreign Ministry for talks.
'Diplomat' belongs to the word family of 'Diplomatie' (diplomacy / international relations) and 'diplomatisch' (diplomatic / clever and tactful). Knowing the word family makes it easier to remember both meanings of the noun.
In dieser heiklen Situation ist diplomatisches Geschick gefragt.
In this delicate situation, diplomatic skill is required.
The two meanings can be distinguished well: If it is about the profession, politics, or international relations, the official person is meant. If it is about personal or professional behavior in difficult situations, the tactful person is meant.
Als Diplomat reist er sehr viel zwischen verschiedenen Ländern.
As a diplomat, he travels a great deal between different countries.
The figurative meaning is often used as a compliment. When you call someone 'einen echten Diplomaten' (a real diplomat), you are praising their ability to resolve conflicts skillfully and fairly.
Danke für deine Hilfe bei dem Streit. Du bist wirklich ein Diplomat!
Thanks for your help with the argument. You really are a diplomat!
ambassador
'der Botschafter' and 'der Diplomat' can both refer to people who represent a country abroad. The difference is the exact position. 'Diplomat' is the more general term for people who work professionally in diplomacy. 'Botschafter' is a specific, very high diplomatic position. So every ambassador is a diplomat, but not every diplomat is an ambassador. Learners can easily confuse the words because both appear in embassies, negotiations, and international relations.
Nach dem Studium arbeitet Mehmet als Diplomat in einer deutschen Botschaft.
After his studies, Mehmet works as a diplomat in a German embassy.
Die Botschafterin nimmt an dem offiziellen Empfang im Präsidentenpalast teil.
The ambassador attends the official reception at the presidential palace.