to mediate / arrange / convey
Loading your saved state.
to mediate
To act as a neutral person or institution between two or more parties in order to resolve a conflict or reach an agreement.
Ein Mediator wurde engagiert, um im Streit zwischen den Tarifpartnern zu vermitteln.
A mediator was hired to mediate in the dispute between the collective bargaining partners.
'Vermitteln' (to mediate / arrange / convey) is an inseparable verb derived from 'die Mitte' (the middle). The basic idea is to create a connection or to stand in the middle between two parties or points.
Er versucht, zwischen den streitenden Nachbarn zu vermitteln.
He is trying to mediate between the arguing neighbors.
You can recognize the meaning of 'vermitteln' (to mediate / arrange / convey) from the context: the preposition 'zwischen' (between) points to conflict resolution. A concrete object like 'Wohnung' (apartment) or 'Job' (job) means arranging or organizing something. An abstract object like 'Wissen' (knowledge) or 'Eindruck' (impression) means passing something on.
Die Agentur vermittelt Jobs im Ausland.
The agency arranges jobs abroad.
When 'vermitteln' (to mediate) is used in the sense of 'mediieren' (to mediate), it is almost always used with the preposition 'zwischen' (between) and the dative.
Ein Anwalt soll zwischen den beiden Firmen vermitteln.
A lawyer is supposed to mediate between the two companies.
When you obtain something for someone, the person receiving something is in the dative. What they receive is in the accusative.
Kannst du mir einen Kontakt zu dem Experten vermitteln?
Can you put me in touch with the expert?
In the meaning of 'weitergeben' (to pass on), 'vermitteln' (to convey) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'Wissen vermitteln' (to convey knowledge), 'einen Eindruck vermitteln' (to convey an impression), or 'Werte vermitteln' (to convey values).
Die Lehrerin möchte den Schülern die Freude am Lesen vermitteln.
The teacher wants to convey the joy of reading to the students.
to explain / declare
'erklären' and 'vermitteln' can both mean making knowledge understandable. 'erklären' fits well for a specific thing, for example a rule, a word, or a task. 'vermitteln' is broader: you can convey knowledge, skills, or even an impression. It often sounds a bit more general and is frequently used in teaching, courses, or communication. Learners may confuse the words because both help with learning. In practical terms: you explain a single question, but you convey knowledge or skills over a longer period of time.
Der Kurs vermittelt den Teilnehmern wichtige Grundlagen für die Arbeit am Computer.
The course teaches the participants important basics for working on a computer.
Kannst du mir bitte erklären, warum der Zug heute später kommt?
Can you please explain to me why the train is coming later today?