provider / breadwinner
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provider
A company that supplies the population and other businesses with basic services such as electricity, gas, water, or district heating.
Wir müssen den Zählerstand an unseren Strom-Versorger melden.
We need to report the meter reading to our electricity provider.
'Der Versorger' (provider/breadwinner) is derived from the verb 'versorgen' (to supply someone or something with what is needed). The ending '-er' refers to the person or institution that carries out this action.
Es ist die Aufgabe der Eltern, ihre Kinder zu versorgen.
It is the parents' responsibility to provide for their children.
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If it is about electricity, gas, or water, it means a company. If people are talking about a family and its income, it means a person who provides for the household.
Unser lokaler Versorger hat die Strompreise erhöht.
Our local provider has raised electricity prices.
When a company is meant, 'Versorger' (provider) is often specified more precisely, for example as 'Energieversorger' (energy supplier), 'Stromanbieter' (electricity provider), or 'Wasserversorger' (water supplier). Common verbs are 'den Versorger wechseln' (to change providers) or 'sich beim Versorger anmelden' (to register with the provider).
Viele Menschen vergleichen online die Preise, bevor sie den Gas-Versorger wechseln.
Many people compare prices online before changing their gas provider.
In the meaning of 'person who provides for the household', the word often describes a role in the family. A typical phrase is 'der alleinige Versorger der Familie sein' (to be the sole breadwinner of the family).
In vielen Familien tragen heute beide Elternteile als Versorger zum Einkommen bei.
In many families today, both parents contribute to the income as breadwinners.
provider
'Anbieter' and 'Versorger' can both mean companies that provide a service for customers. 'Anbieter' is very general and fits many goods and services, for example phone services, courses, or insurance. 'Versorger' is used mainly for basic things such as electricity, gas, water, or heating. The words can be confused because a 'Versorger' is also an 'Anbieter'. But not every 'Anbieter' is a 'Versorger'. When it is about basic utilities in everyday life, 'Versorger' sounds more natural.
Nach dem Umzug meldet Tom sich beim neuen Versorger für Strom und Wasser an.
After the move, Tom registers with the new provider for electricity and water.
Der Anbieter des Online-Kurses schickt die Zugangsdaten per E-Mail.
The online course provider sends the login details by email.