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
der Kandidat
candidate
A person who runs in an election in order to be elected.
EXAMPLE
Der Kandidat hielt eine Rede auf dem Marktplatz, um Wähler zu überzeugen.
The candidate gave a speech in the marketplace to persuade voters.
der Kandidat
contestant
A participant in a competition, a game show, or an exam.
EXAMPLE
Der Kandidat bei „Wer wird Millionär?“ gewann eine hohe Summe.
The contestant on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' won a large sum.
der Kandidat
candidate
Someone or something that is considered for something specific or seems suitable for it.
EXAMPLE
Dieses alte Auto ist ein heißer Kandidat für die Schrottpresse.
This old car is a prime candidate for the scrapyard.
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 Teilnehmer
participant
Teilnehmer generally refers to a person who takes part in a competition or activity. Kandidat is especially suitable for someone who is being assessed or competing in an exam, game show, or competition. In this context, the candidate is therefore also a participant.
Kandidat
Der Kandidat der Spielshow beantwortet nun die entscheidende Frage.
The contestant on the game show is now answering the decisive question.
Teilnehmer
Alle Teilnehmer der Spielshow müssen vor Beginn die Regeln lesen.
All the contestants on the game show have to read the rules before it begins.
In real life
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