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.
shopper
A person who shops in a store; a customer or shopper.
Am Samstagvormittag sind die Supermärkte voll mit Einkäufern.
On Saturday mornings, the supermarkets are full of shoppers.
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 refers to the person or organization in a business relationship and emphasizes the purchase or use of a service. Einkäufer, by contrast, refers to the person who specifically procures goods or services for a company. Kunde fits the relationship with the provider, while Einkäufer fits the professional procurement task.
Der Einkäufer vergleicht für das Unternehmen mehrere Angebote für neue Computer.
The buyer compares several offers for new computers on behalf of the company.
Der Kunde bespricht mit dem Anbieter seine Wünsche für den neuen Computer.
The customer discusses their wishes for the new computer with the provider.
