teacher
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teacher
A person whose job is to teach other people, especially children and teenagers at a school, and to pass on knowledge to them.
Der Lehrer hat uns die Hausaufgaben für morgen erklärt.
The teacher explained the homework for tomorrow to us.
teacher
In a figurative sense, a person, experience, or thing from which one learns an important lesson.
Die Erfahrung im Ausland war für mich ein guter Lehrer.
The experience abroad was a good teacher for me.
The noun 'der Lehrer' (the teacher) is derived directly from the verb 'lehren' (to teach). A teacher is therefore literally a person who teaches others something.
Ein guter Lehrer kann komplizierte Dinge einfach lehren.
A good teacher can teach complicated things simply.
To name a teacher's subject, you either use the preposition 'für' (for) or form a compound noun. Both are very common.
Frau Schmidt ist unsere Lehrerin für Biologie.
Ms. Schmidt is our biology teacher.
In a figurative sense, 'Lehrer' (teacher) is used for a formative experience or lesson. You can recognize this meaning when the subject is not a person, but something abstract like 'das Leben' (life) or 'die Not' (hardship).
Das Leben ist oft der beste Lehrer.
Life is often the best teacher.
lecturer
Both words refer to a person who teaches others. “Der Lehrer” is mainly used for teaching children and teenagers at school, while “der Dozent” typically teaches at a college or university or in adult education. The main deciding factor is therefore the educational institution.
Der Lehrer erklärt den Jugendlichen im Gymnasium die neue Grammatik.
The teacher explains the new grammar to the teenagers at the secondary school.
Der Dozent erklärt den Erwachsenen im Abendkurs die neue Grammatik.
The lecturer explains the new grammar to the adults in the evening course.
