representative
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representative
A person who officially represents a group, organization, company, or country and acts or speaks on its behalf.
Als Repräsentant des Unternehmens führte er die Verhandlungen mit den neuen Partnern.
As a representative of the company, he conducted the negotiations with the new partners.
representative
A person or thing that is considered a typical example or symbol of a particular quality, era, or idea.
Der Architekt Le Corbusier gilt als einer der wichtigsten Repräsentanten der modernen Architektur.
The architect Le Corbusier is considered one of the most important representatives of modern architecture.
The word belongs to the word family of 'repräsentieren' (to represent). A 'Repräsentant' (representative) is therefore a person who represents something or someone.
Er wurde ausgewählt, um die Studierenden im Komitee zu repräsentieren.
He was chosen to represent the students on the committee.
'Repräsentant' (representative) is a formal word. It is used mainly in written language or in official contexts such as politics, academia, and business.
Die Repräsentanten der Mitgliedsstaaten trafen sich zu einer Konferenz.
The representatives of the member states met for a conference.
To express who or what is being represented, formal language usually uses the genitive. The preposition 'von' (of/from) is more colloquial, but also correct.
Der Repräsentant des Volkes hielt eine Rede im Parlament.
The representative of the people gave a speech in parliament.
In this symbolic meaning, the word refers to an idea, an era, or a style, not to a company or country. Adjectives like 'wichtigster' (most important) or 'typischer' (typical) often come before it.
Beethoven gilt als wichtiger Repräsentant der Wiener Klassik.
Beethoven is considered an important representative of Viennese Classicism.
representative / substitute
A Vertreter acts on behalf of a person or organization and may also sell something or fill in for someone. Repräsentant places greater emphasis on officially representing an organization to the outside world and appearing in public. Use Vertreter for acting on someone’s behalf in everyday situations, and Repräsentant for the formal representation of an organization.
Der Repräsentant des Unternehmens sprach bei der öffentlichen Veranstaltung.
The company’s representative spoke at the public event.
Der Vertreter des Unternehmens beantwortete die Fragen der Kunden am Telefon.
The company’s representative answered customers’ questions over the phone.
