negotiator
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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.
'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
'der Vermittler' and 'der Unterhändler' both have to do with talks between different sides, often with the goal of reaching an agreement. A 'Vermittler' is more likely to stand neutrally between the parties and help them talk to each other again or find a compromise. An 'Unterhändler' usually conducts negotiations on behalf of one side or a group. So he often represents particular interests. The words can be confused because both occur in conflicts or difficult conversations. Memory aid: the mediator helps between the sides; the negotiator negotiates for one side or a group.
Heute trifft der Unterhändler der Firma die Vertreter der Gewerkschaft.
Today the company’s negotiator is meeting the union representatives.
Ein Vermittler spricht am Abend mit beiden Familien, damit der Streit nicht größer wird.
A mediator speaks with both families in the evening so that the dispute does not get worse.