mediator / broker
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mediator
A person who mediates impartially in a dispute or in negotiations between two or more parties in order to reach an agreement.
Ein neutraler Vermittler wurde eingeschaltet, um den Streik zu beenden.
A neutral mediator was brought in to end the strike.
broker / agent
A person or company that establishes business contacts or contracts for others, for example in insurance, real estate, or jobs.
Der Finanzvermittler hat uns eine gute Anlagemöglichkeit empfohlen.
The financial broker recommended a good investment opportunity to us.
The word is derived from the verb 'vermitteln' (to mediate/broker). A 'Vermittler' (mediator/broker) is literally someone who stands 'in der Mitte' (in the middle) between two parties in order to create a connection or agreement. The ending '-er' indicates the person performing the action.
Der Vermittler soll eine Lösung finden, die für beide Seiten akzeptabel ist.
The mediator is supposed to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides.
'Der Vermittler' (the mediator/broker) belongs to a word family with the verb 'vermitteln' (to mediate/broker) and the noun 'die Vermittlung' (mediation/brokerage). If you know one of the words, you can understand the others more easily.
Die Vermittlung zwischen den beiden Streitparteien war erfolgreich.
The mediation between the two disputing parties was successful.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about a 'Streit' (dispute) or 'Konflikt' (conflict), a mediator is meant. If it is about 'Geschäfte' (business deals), 'Verträge' (contracts), or 'Provisionen' (commissions), a broker or agent is meant.
In einem politischen Konflikt braucht man einen neutralen Vermittler.
In a political conflict, you need a neutral mediator.
In the context of conflicts, a mediator is often 'eingeschaltet' (brought in) or 'angerufen' (appealed to/called upon). A person can also 'als Vermittler fungieren' (act as a mediator) or 'als Vermittler tätig sein' (work as a mediator).
Im Tarifkonflikt fungierte der ehemalige Minister als Vermittler.
In the collective bargaining dispute, the former minister acted as a mediator.
In the business field, 'Vermittler' (broker/agent) is often part of compound nouns that indicate the specialization. Typical examples are 'Immobilienvermittler' (real estate agent), 'Versicherungsvermittler' (insurance broker), or 'Arbeitsvermittler' (employment agent).
Ein Immobilienvermittler hilft bei der Suche nach einer passenden Wohnung.
A real estate agent helps with the search for a suitable apartment.
broker
Der Makler (broker) professionally arranges contracts and is usually a professional term referring to specific types of business. Der Vermittler (intermediary) can also establish business contacts or arrange contracts, but sounds more general and does not necessarily refer to this specific professional role. For professional business brokerage, Makler is often the better choice; otherwise, use Vermittler.
Ein Vermittler stellte den Kontakt zwischen dem Unternehmen und einem passenden Bewerber her.
An intermediary established contact between the company and a suitable applicant.
Der Makler vermittelte den Verkauf der Wohnung und erhielt dafür eine Provision.
The broker arranged the sale of the apartment and received a commission for it.
