defender / defense attorney
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defender
In sports, a player whose main task is to stop attacks by the opposing team and prevent goals.
Der Verteidiger konnte den Stürmer im letzten Moment stoppen.
The defender was able to stop the striker at the last moment.
defense attorney
A lawyer who represents an accused person in court and looks after their interests.
Der Verteidiger plädierte auf nicht schuldig.
The defense attorney pleaded not guilty.
defender
A person who protects and supports an idea, a cause, or another person against criticism or attacks.
Er war ein leidenschaftlicher Verteidiger der Pressefreiheit.
He was a passionate defender of freedom of the press.
'Der Verteidiger' (the defender / defense attorney) is the noun form of the verb 'verteidigen' (to defend). The ending '-er' indicates the male person who performs this action. Someone who defends is a 'Verteidiger' (defender).
Er verteidigt seine Meinung sehr energisch.
He defends his opinion very vigorously.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. In a sports context, it refers to a player. In a legal context (in court), it is a lawyer. If it is about ideas or values, it is a person who supports them.
Der Verteidiger verhinderte ein sicheres Tor. (Sport)
The defender prevented a sure goal. (sports)
In sports, 'Verteidiger' (defender) is often combined with positions or qualities. Typical examples are 'Innenverteidiger' (center back), 'Außenverteidiger' (fullback), or 'ein kopfballstarker Verteidiger' (a defender who is strong in the air).
Die Mannschaft hat zwei sehr schnelle Außenverteidiger.
The team has two very fast fullbacks.
In legal contexts, there are specialized terms. You often hear 'Strafverteidiger' (criminal defense attorney) for criminal trials or 'Pflichtverteidiger' (court-appointed defense attorney) for a lawyer appointed by the court.
Da er sich keinen Anwalt leisten konnte, wurde ihm ein Pflichtverteidiger zugewiesen.
Since he could not afford a lawyer, he was assigned a court-appointed defense attorney.
representative / substitute
A Vertreter speaks or acts on behalf of a group and presents its position neutrally to the outside world. A Verteidiger specifically supports a person, idea, or cause against criticism or attacks. When a position is under attack, Verteidiger therefore emphasizes protection and support.
Als Verteidiger der kritisierten Initiative wies Paul die Angriffe in der Diskussion zurück.
As a defender of the criticized initiative, Paul rejected the attacks during the discussion.
Als Vertreter der Initiative stellte Paul ihre Position in der Diskussion vor.
As the initiative's representative, Paul presented its position during the discussion.
