buyer / shopper
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buyer
A person who professionally procures goods, raw materials, or services for a company.
Der Einkäufer der Modekette ist nach Mailand geflogen, um die neue Kollektion zu sichten.
The buyer for the fashion chain flew to Milan to view the new collection.
The word is derived from the verb 'einkaufen' (to shop). The ending '-er' refers to the person who performs the action, similar to 'fahren' (to drive) → 'Fahrer' (driver).
Wer ist für den Einkauf der Getränke zuständig?
Who is responsible for buying the drinks?
In a professional context, 'Einkäufer' (buyer) refers to a person who procures goods for a company. In everyday contexts, often in the plural, it means customers in a store.
Er arbeitet als strategischer Einkäufer für einen großen Automobilhersteller.
He works as a strategic buyer for a large automobile manufacturer.
In the meaning of the profession, 'Einkäufer' (buyer) is often connected with the industry or the company, e.g. 'Einkäufer für Mode' (buyer for fashion) or 'Einkäufer bei Siemens' (buyer at Siemens).
Die Einkäuferin für Obst und Gemüse prüft die Qualität der Ware.
The buyer for fruit and vegetables checks the quality of the goods.
In the meaning 'Kunde' (customer), 'Einkäufer' (shopper) is often used in reports or general descriptions to emphasize the activity of shopping. It sounds somewhat more formal than 'people who are shopping'.
Eine Umfrage untersuchte das Verhalten der Einkäufer im Internet.
A survey examined the behavior of online shoppers.
customer
'Kunde' and 'Einkäufer' can both have to do with buying. 'Kunde' is the person or company that buys something or uses a service. In everyday language, 'Einkäufer' can be a person who is shopping at that moment. In companies, however, 'Einkäufer' often refers to a job: this person buys goods or services for the company. The words can therefore be confused. A customer buys for themselves or for their company as the buying side; a professional 'Einkäufer' has the task of planning and negotiating purchases.
Vor dem Termin hat der Einkäufer die Preise mehrerer Lieferanten verglichen.
Before the meeting, the buyer compared the prices of several suppliers.
Morgen bin ich Kunde in einer neuen Werkstatt.
Tomorrow I’ll be a customer at a new repair shop.