broker
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broker
A person who professionally arranges contracts for others, especially when buying or selling real estate (real estate agent), insurance (insurance broker), or securities (stockbroker).
Der Makler hat uns mehrere Wohnungen gezeigt, bevor wir die richtige gefunden haben.
The broker showed us several apartments before we found the right one.
The word 'Makler' (broker) is derived from the verb 'makeln' (to broker/mediate). The ending '-er' is typical for job titles of people who perform a certain activity, as in 'Lehrer' (teacher) from 'lehren' (to teach).
Er hat sein ganzes Leben lang mit Aktien gemakelt.
He traded stocks his whole life.
Since 'Makler' (broker) is a general term, it is often made more precise by a compound word. The most common types are 'Immobilienmakler' (real estate agent), 'Versicherungsmakler' (insurance broker), and 'Börsenmakler' (stockbroker).
Ein Immobilienmakler hilft beim Kauf und Verkauf von Häusern.
A real estate agent helps with buying and selling houses.
When using the services of a broker, people often use the verbs 'beauftragen' (to commission/hire) or 'einschalten' (to involve/bring in). You can also simply say 'zu einem Makler gehen' (to go to a broker).
Wir haben einen Makler mit dem Verkauf unseres Hauses beauftragt.
We hired a broker to sell our house.
A 'Makler' (broker) normally does not work for a fixed salary, but receives payment for a successful brokerage. This is called 'Provision' (commission) or 'Courtage' (brokerage fee).
Die Provision für den Makler beträgt drei Prozent des Kaufpreises.
The broker's commission is three percent of the purchase price.
representative / substitute
'der Vertreter' and 'der Makler' can both act professionally on behalf of others, especially in business dealings. 'Vertreter' is more general: he acts on behalf of a company or person, for example in sales or official matters. 'Makler' is more specific: he professionally arranges contracts, often for apartments, houses, insurance, or securities. The words can be confused because both can have to do with customers and contracts. If someone appears directly on behalf of a company, 'Vertreter' often fits. If someone mediates between buyer and seller, or between two parties to a contract, 'Makler' is more precise.
Der Makler hat uns am Morgen eine Wohnung in der Nähe des Parks gezeigt.
The broker showed us an apartment near the park in the morning.
Der Vertreter des Herstellers erklärt dem Ladenbesitzer die neuen Produkte.
The manufacturer's representative explains the new products to the shop owner.