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.
dealer
'der Händler' and 'der Spekulant' can both buy something and sell it again later in order to make money. The difference lies in the goal and the risk. A 'Händler' sells goods as a normal business, for example cars, clothing, or fruit. A 'Spekulant' makes risky financial transactions and hopes for a quick, large profit, for example with stocks or real estate. The words can be confused because both have to do with buying and selling. 'Händler' sounds neutral and businesslike, while 'Spekulant' emphasizes risk and profit from price changes.
Der Spekulant kauft die alten Wohnungen, weil er auf steigende Preise hofft.
The speculator buys the old apartments because he hopes prices will rise.
Nach der Arbeit spricht Tom mit dem Händler über den Preis des Autos.
After work, Tom talks to the dealer about the price of the car.