conservationist
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conservationist
A person who works to protect nature, the environment, and animal and plant life, often as part of an organization or as a volunteer.
Die Naturschützer protestierten gegen die Abholzung des alten Waldes.
The conservationists protested against the clearing of the old forest.
The word is made up of 'die Natur' (nature) and 'der Schützer' (protector). A 'Schützer' is someone who protects something, from the verb 'schützen' (to protect). A Naturschützer is therefore literally a 'protector of nature'.
Als Naturschützer kämpft er für den Erhalt seltener Pflanzenarten.
As a conservationist, he fights to preserve rare plant species.
The ending '-schützer' is very productive and refers to people who protect something specific. If you recognize this pattern, you will also understand words like 'Tierschützer' (animal rights activist/animal protector), 'Umweltschützer' (environmentalist), or 'Datenschützer' (data protection specialist).
Die Tierschützer demonstrierten für bessere Haltungsbedingungen.
The animal rights activists demonstrated for better living conditions for animals.
'Naturschützer' (conservationists) often appear together with verbs of action and demands. Typical examples are: 'sich einsetzen für' (to campaign for), 'protestieren gegen' (to protest against), 'fordern' (to demand), or 'warnen vor' (to warn about).
Die Naturschützer setzen sich für die Schaffung eines neuen Nationalparks ein.
The conservationists are campaigning for the creation of a new national park.
animal rights activist
'Tierschützer' and 'Naturschützer' have similar goals because both want to protect life and habitats. 'Tierschützer' refers especially to people who campaign for animals and against animal cruelty. 'Naturschützer' is broader and refers to people who protect nature, landscapes, plants, animals, and habitats. The words can be confused because animals are also part of nature. When the focus is mainly on animal welfare, 'Tierschützer' is more precise. When it is about an area, a forest, plants, or an entire ecosystem, 'Naturschützer' fits better.
Am Wochenende zeigt der Naturschützer den Kindern seltene Pflanzen im Moor.
At the weekend, the conservationist shows the children rare plants in the moor.
Meine Mutter hilft einem Tierschützer, verletzte Katzen zu versorgen.
My mother helps an animal rights activist care for injured cats.