interest group / advocacy
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interest group
An organization, association, or group that represents the shared interests of its members to politics, business, or the public.
Die Gewerkschaft ist eine mächtige Interessenvertretung für Arbeitnehmer.
The union is a powerful interest group for employees.
advocacy
The process or activity of actively representing and promoting the interests of a particular group.
Die effektive Interessenvertretung erfordert gute Kontakte in die Politik.
Effective advocacy requires good contacts in politics.
The word consists of 'Interessen' (plural of 'das Interesse') and 'die Vertretung' (representation). The 's' in between is a linking element. Literally, it therefore means 'the representation of interests'.
Diese Organisation kümmert sich um die Interessenvertretung von Studierenden.
This organization takes care of advocacy for students.
The second part of the word, 'Vertretung' (representation), comes from the verb 'vertreten' (to represent). Someone who represents the interests of a group engages in Interessenvertretung.
Der Anwalt vertritt die Interessen seines Mandanten vor Gericht.
The lawyer represents his client's interests in court.
The word can refer to an organization or an activity. If it appears with an article like 'eine' (a/an) or in the plural, it usually means the organization. If it is used abstractly and uncountably, it means the activity.
Der Verband ist eine wichtige Interessenvertretung. (Organisation)
The association is an important interest group. (organization)
When the organization is meant, the preposition 'für' (for) is often used to indicate whose interests are being represented. The pattern is: 'eine Interessenvertretung für + [group in the accusative]'.
Es gibt eine neue Interessenvertretung für freiberufliche Künstler.
There is a new interest group for freelance artists.
lobby
A Lobby is a group that seeks to influence political decision-makers through contacts with them. Interessenvertretung can also refer to such an organization, but it can also mean the activity of representing interests itself. For the process or activity, therefore, only Interessenvertretung is appropriate.
Die Interessenvertretung der Branche gegenüber der Politik übernimmt ein Verband.
An association handles the industry's advocacy toward policymakers.
Die Lobby der Branche sucht regelmäßig den Kontakt zu Abgeordneten.
The industry's lobby regularly seeks contact with members of parliament.
