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.
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.
representative / substitute
'der Vertreter' and 'der Vermittler' can both mean a person who acts on behalf of others in a matter. However, 'Vertreter' is usually on one side: he acts on behalf of a person, group, or company. 'Vermittler' often stands between two sides and tries to make contact, a contract, or an agreement possible. In a dispute or negotiations, a mediator is often expected to be neutral. The words can be confused because both have to do with conversations and other people’s interests. As a simple guide: a representative speaks for one side; a mediator brings two sides together.
Der Vermittler hilft den Nachbarn, weil sie sich über den Lärm streiten.
The mediator helps the neighbors because they are arguing about the noise.
Lisa spricht als Vertreterin der Handwerksfirma mit dem Kunden.
Lisa speaks with the customer as a representative of the craft business.