protégé
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protégé
A person who is protected, promoted, and supported by someone else (a mentor or patron); a protégé.
Der junge Künstler war der Schützling eines berühmten Malers.
The young artist was the protégé of a famous painter.
'Schützling' (protégé) is derived from the verb 'schützen' (to protect). The ending '-ling' here refers to a person who is the object of the action — that is, someone who is protected.
Der Mentor kümmert sich intensiv um seinen neuen Schützling.
The mentor takes intensive care of his new protégé.
The word describes a relationship. Therefore, it is often used with a genitive construction or the preposition 'von' (of / by) to name the protector or sponsor.
Sie war der Schützling eines einflussreichen Politikers.
She was the protégé of an influential politician.
The term is often used in the context of mentoring in art, science, sports, or professional life. It describes a relationship in which an experienced person supports a younger, less experienced person.
Als Schützling des Professors erhielt sie Zugang zu wichtigen Forschungen.
As the professor's protégé, she gained access to important research.
mentor
'der Mentor' and 'der Schützling' describe two people in a supportive relationship. The mentor is the experienced person who gives advice, helps, and supports someone’s development. The protégé is the person who receives this help and is supported by someone. The words can be confused because they often appear together. But you have to pay attention to the direction of the help: the mentor gives support, while the protégé receives it.
Nach dem Gespräch fühlt sich der Schützling sicherer bei seiner Bewerbung.
After the conversation, the protégé feels more confident about his application.
Mein Mentor hilft mir, die ersten Monate im neuen Beruf besser zu verstehen.
My mentor helps me better understand the first few months in my new job.