negotiator
der Unterhändler, die Unterhändler
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negotiator
A person who is tasked with conducting negotiations between two or more parties in order to reach an agreement or compromise.
Die Unterhändler der Gewerkschaft und der Arbeitgeber trafen sich, um über einen neuen Tarifvertrag zu verhandeln.
The negotiators from the union and the employers met to negotiate a new collective agreement.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Unterhändler |
| genitive | des Unterhändlers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Unterhändler | die Unterhändler |
| accusative | den Unterhändler | die Unterhändler |
| dative | dem Unterhändler | den Unterhändlern |
| genitive | des Unterhändlers | der Unterhändler |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Der Unterhändler' (the negotiator) is derived from the verb 'unterhandeln' (to negotiate), which means 'verhandeln' (to negotiate). The ending '-er' turns the verb into a person who performs this activity.
Er hat jahrelang als Unterhändler für die Vereinten Nationen gearbeitet.
He worked for years as a negotiator for the United Nations.
Negotiators are often representatives of a specific group ('Unterhändler der Regierung' — government negotiators) and negotiate 'über' (about/on) a topic (accusative). Common verbs are 'sich treffen' (to meet), 'verhandeln' (to negotiate), or 'eine Einigung erzielen' (to reach an agreement).
Die Unterhändler der beiden Länder verhandeln über ein Friedensabkommen.
The negotiators from the two countries are negotiating a peace agreement.
This word is mainly used in specific contexts such as politics, diplomacy, business (e.g., collective bargaining), or conflict resolution (e.g., hostage situations).
Bei der Geiselnahme versuchte ein erfahrener Unterhändler, die Situation zu deeskalieren.
During the hostage situation, an experienced negotiator tried to de-escalate the situation.
mediator / broker
A Vermittler helps several sides resolve their dispute as an impartial person. An Unterhändler, by contrast, conducts negotiations on someone’s behalf and may represent the interests of a particular party. Use Vermittler for neutral assistance and Unterhändler for a commissioned negotiating role.
Ein Unterhändler der ersten Firma versucht, für sie bessere Bedingungen zu erreichen.
A negotiator from the first company is trying to secure better terms for it.
Ein neutraler Vermittler hilft den beiden Unternehmen, eine gemeinsame Lösung zu finden.
A neutral mediator is helping the two companies find a solution they can both agree on.
