speculator
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speculator
A person who engages in risky financial transactions in the hope of making a quick, large profit. Speculators buy and sell stocks, real estate, or commodities, for example, in order to profit from price fluctuations.
Der Spekulant wettete auf fallende Kurse und machte damit ein Vermögen.
The speculator bet on falling prices and made a fortune from it.
The word 'Spekulant' (speculator) is derived from the verb 'spekulieren' (to speculate). The ending '-ant' often refers to a person who performs a particular activity, in this case speculating.
Er hat sein ganzes Geld an der Börse verspekuliert.
He lost all his money speculating on the stock market.
The related verb 'spekulieren' (to speculate) is often used with prepositions. You speculate 'auf' something (accusative) when you are betting on an outcome, or 'mit' something (dative) when you use something as the means for the speculation.
Der Spekulant spekuliert auf steigende Ölpreise.
The speculator is speculating on rising oil prices.
A speculator is typically active 'an der Börse' (on the stock market). Common goals are 'hohe Gewinne' (high profits) or 'schnelles Geld' (quick money), often connected with taking 'große Risiken' (big risks).
Viele Spekulanten verloren während der Finanzkrise ihr Vermögen an der Börse.
Many speculators lost their fortunes on the stock market during the financial crisis.
investor
Investor and Spekulant both refer to people who invest money in order to make a profit. Investor usually sounds neutral and can refer to a more long-term investment; Spekulant emphasizes risky transactions made in the hope of making a quick profit and often has a critical tone. When there are major price fluctuations, Spekulant is more precise.
Der Spekulant kaufte die Aktien wegen möglicher schneller Preisgewinne.
The speculator bought the shares because of the possibility of quick price gains.
Der Investor legte sein Geld langfristig in dem Unternehmen an.
The investor put his money into the company for the long term.
