ally / competitor
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ally
A person who fights or works together with others for a goal, an idea, or a conviction; an ally or comrade.
Für die Umweltbewegung sucht sie noch engagierte Mitstreiter.
She is still looking for committed allies for the environmental movement.
competitor
A person or company that competes for the same goals; a rival or competitor.
Apple und Samsung sind die größten Mitstreiter auf dem Smartphone-Markt.
Apple and Samsung are the biggest competitors in the smartphone market.
The word is made up of the prefix 'mit-' (together/with) and 'Streiter' (fighter). A 'Mitstreiter' (ally/competitor) is therefore literally someone who fights alongside someone, either on someone's side or in competition with someone.
Er war einer der ersten Mitstreiter in der Bürgerbewegung.
He was one of the first allies in the citizens' movement.
The context tells you whether an ally or a competitor is meant. If it is about a shared idealistic goal, it is an ally. If it is about competition in business or sports, it is a competitor.
Für seine Kampagne gegen Plastikmüll sucht der Aktivist noch Mitstreiter.
The activist is still looking for allies for his campaign against plastic waste.
In the meaning 'Verbündeter' (ally), the preposition 'für' (for) is often used to name the shared goal. You look for or find 'Mitstreiter für' (allies for) an idea, a cause, or a movement.
Die Organisation fand viele Mitstreiter für den Schutz der lokalen Wälder.
The organization found many allies for the protection of the local forests.
comrade / companion
Kamerad and Mitstreiter can both refer to a person connected to you in a shared endeavor. Kamerad emphasizes personal loyalty and support, while Mitstreiter highlights that someone is working together with others for a goal or conviction. Kamerad fits the relationship, while Mitstreiter fits the shared commitment.
Mein Mitstreiter setzte sich während des schwierigen Wahlkampfs für dieselbe Idee ein.
My ally worked for the same idea during the difficult election campaign.
Mein Kamerad unterstützte mich während des schwierigen Wahlkampfs.
My comrade supported me during the difficult election campaign.
