lobbyist
Loading your saved state.
lobbyist
A person who represents the interests of a particular organization, company, or association and tries to influence political decision-makers and legislation in their favor.
Der Lobbyist der Automobilindustrie sprach mit mehreren Abgeordneten über das neue Klimagesetz.
The lobbyist for the automotive industry spoke with several members of parliament about the new climate law.
The word is derived from 'Lobby' (lobby) and has the ending '-ist', which typically refers to a person who performs a certain activity or follows an idea.
Er arbeitet als Lobbyist für einen großen Energiekonzern.
He works as a lobbyist for a large energy corporation.
The word family includes 'die Lobby' (interest group), 'der Lobbyismus' (the activity of interest representation/lobbying), and the verb 'lobbyieren' (to lobby).
Lobbyismus ist in der Politik ein kontroverses Thema.
Lobbying is a controversial topic in politics.
Although the word neutrally describes a person who represents interests, in general usage it often has a negative connotation. It is frequently associated with non-transparent or self-serving influence.
Kritiker werfen den Politikern vor, zu sehr auf die Lobbyisten zu hören.
Critics accuse the politicians of listening too much to the lobbyists.
To name the group being represented, the preposition 'für' (for) is used with the accusative. Someone is a lobbyist for a particular industry or organization.
Sie ist als Lobbyistin für die Pharmaindustrie tätig.
She works as a lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry.
representative / substitute
'der Vertreter' and 'der Lobbyist' can both speak for the interests of a company, group, or organization. 'der Vertreter' is the more general word: he acts on behalf of others, for example in sales, at an appointment, or in legal matters. 'der Lobbyist' is more specific. He tries to influence political decisions or laws in the interest of a particular group. Learners may confuse the words because a lobbyist is also a kind of representative. But not every representative is a lobbyist. When the topic is politics and influence on decisions, 'Lobbyist' is more precise.
Der Lobbyist traf sich mit Politikern, um über ein neues Gesetz zu sprechen.
The lobbyist met with politicians to talk about a new law.
Bei dem Termin spricht ein Vertreter der Versicherung mit den Kunden.
At the appointment, a representative from the insurance company speaks with the customers.