founder / donor
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founder / donor
A person or organization that donates a larger sum of money or assets in order to establish something, usually a foundation, a prize, or a charitable institution.
Der Stifter des Museums wollte Kunst für alle zugänglich machen.
The founder of the museum wanted to make art accessible to everyone.
'Der Stifter' (the founder/donor) belongs to the word family of the verb 'stiften' (to found or donate). The organization founded by such a person is often 'die Stiftung' (the foundation).
Er stiftete sein Vermögen für wohltätige Zwecke.
He donated his fortune to charitable causes.
A 'Stifter' is often connected with what he founded. For example, people speak of the 'Stifter eines Preises' (founder/donor of a prize), 'Stifter eines Stipendiums' (founder/donor of a scholarship), or 'Stifter einer Universität' (founder of a university).
Der Stifter des Literaturpreises bleibt anonym.
The founder of the literature prize remains anonymous.
The meaning 'jemand, der etwas begründet' (someone who establishes something), e.g. peace, is elevated and is used mainly in literary, historical, or religious texts.
In der Legende wird er als Stifter der Eintracht im Königreich beschrieben.
In the legend, he is described as the originator of harmony in the kingdom.
You can recognize this elevated meaning by the fact that it is usually connected with abstract nouns such as 'Frieden' (peace), 'Einheit' (unity), or also 'Unruhe' (unrest), not with money or institutions.
Man nannte ihn einen Stifter des Friedens.
People called him an originator of peace.
founder
'der Gründer' and 'der Stifter' can both have to do with the creation of something new. 'Der Gründer' is the person who starts or builds something, for example a company or organization. 'Der Stifter' usually gives money or assets so that something can be created, especially a foundation, a prize, or a charitable institution. In elevated language, 'Stifter' can also be someone who brings about something like peace or harmony. Learners confuse the words because a 'Stifter' also makes something possible. When the active founding is in focus, you say 'Gründer'. When the financial gift is important, you say 'Stifter'.
Der Stifter des Preises unterstützt jedes Jahr junge Musiker.
The founder of the prize supports young musicians every year.
Zum Jubiläum spricht der Gründer des Sportvereins über die ersten Jahre.
At the anniversary celebration, the founder of the sports club talks about the early years.