01
der Kandidat
candidate
A person who applies for a job, an office, or a position.
example
Wir haben drei vielversprechende Kandidaten zum Vorstellungsgespräch eingeladen.
We invited three promising candidates to an interview.
der Kandidat
candidate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Important preposition
'Kandidat' is very often used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative. This expresses what someone is applying for or what someone or something is being considered for.
EXAMPLE
Er ist der beste Kandidat für den Job.
He is the best candidate for the job.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'Kandidat' can be understood from context. Words like 'Bewerbung' (application) or 'Stelle' (position/job) point to a job applicant. With 'Wahl' (election) or 'Partei' (party), it means a political candidate. In the context of 'Spielshow' (game show) or 'Prüfung' (exam), it is a participant.
EXAMPLE
Der Kandidat konnte die letzte Frage leider nicht beantworten.
Unfortunately, the contestant could not answer the last question.
Fixed expression
The colloquial expression 'ein heißer Kandidat für etwas sein' means that someone or something is very likely to be considered for something specific. It is often used somewhat ironically for negative things.
EXAMPLE
Nach diesem Fehler ist er ein heißer Kandidat für eine Kündigung.
After that mistake, he is a prime candidate for dismissal.
Origin of the word
The word comes from the Latin 'candidatus', meaning 'dressed in white'. In ancient Rome, applicants for political office wore a white toga to symbolize their purity and suitability.
EXAMPLE
Der Kandidat versuchte, einen ehrlichen Eindruck zu machen.
The candidate tried to make an honest impression.
Compare with
Kandidat vs Möglichkeit
possibility
'die Möglichkeit' and 'der Kandidat' can both express that something is under consideration. However, 'die Möglichkeit' means an option or a path you can choose. 'der Kandidat' means a person or thing that seems suitable for something or could be selected. The words can be confused when talking about choices. More natural usage is: a solution, a plan, or a date is a 'Möglichkeit' (option / possibility). A person or a concrete proposal can be a 'Kandidat' (candidate).
Kandidat
Für die neue Wohnung ist dieser Stadtteil ein guter Kandidat.
For the new apartment, this neighborhood is a good candidate.
Möglichkeit
Eine Möglichkeit ist, den Kurs online zu besuchen.
One option is to take the course online.
In real life
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