referee / arbitrator
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referee
An impartial person who monitors compliance with the rules in a sport and directs the game. Depending on the sport, also called a ring referee or judge.
Der Schiedsrichter zeigte dem Spieler nach dem Foul die Rote Karte.
The referee showed the player the red card after the foul.
arbitrator
In a figurative or legal sense, a person or body that settles a dispute between two parties and makes a binding decision. Synonymous with conciliator or mediator.
In dem Tarifkonflikt wurde ein externer Schiedsrichter eingeschaltet, um eine Lösung zu finden.
In the collective bargaining dispute, an external arbitrator was brought in to find a solution.
The word is made up of 'Schied' (from 'scheiden', which here means 'to decide a dispute') and 'Richter' (judge). A 'Schiedsrichter' is therefore literally a 'decision judge'.
Der Schiedsrichter beendete das Spiel pünktlich.
The referee ended the game on time.
In a sports context, 'Schiedsrichter' is often connected with certain verbs. Typical ones are: 'das Spiel pfeifen' (to referee the game), 'eine Karte zeigen' (to show a card), or 'eine Entscheidung treffen' (to make a decision).
Der Schiedsrichter pfiff das Foul sofort.
The referee called the foul immediately.
In the legal or figurative meaning, a 'Schiedsrichter' is often 'eingeschaltet' (brought in) or 'angerufen' (appealed to/called upon) in order to 'schlichten' (settle) a conflict.
Die beiden Parteien einigten sich darauf, einen Schiedsrichter einzuschalten.
The two parties agreed to bring in an arbitrator.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. Words like 'Spiel' (game), 'Foul' (foul), or 'Tor' (goal) point to sports. Terms like 'Konflikt' (conflict), 'Streit' (dispute), or 'Einigung' (agreement) point to the figurative meaning.
Im Tarifkonflikt konnte der Schiedsrichter eine Einigung erzielen.
In the collective bargaining dispute, the arbitrator was able to reach an agreement.
judge
Richter and Schiedsrichter can both make decisions in sports competitions. A Richter mainly evaluates the performance shown and decides the ranking. A Schiedsrichter, by contrast, oversees a game or fight and ensures that the rules are followed.
Der Schiedsrichter unterbrach das Fußballspiel nach einem Foul.
The referee stopped the soccer match after a foul.
Der Richter bewertete die Übung der Turnerin mit neun Punkten.
The judge awarded the gymnast nine points for her routine.
