sales / distribution
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sales
The process or department in a company responsible for selling and distributing products or services to customers.
Unsere neue Kollegin arbeitet im Vertrieb und ist für die Kunden in Süddeutschland zuständig.
Our new colleague works in sales and is responsible for customers in southern Germany.
distribution
The act of distributing or disseminating goods, media, or information. This term is also used in legal contexts.
Der Vertrieb von illegalen Kopien wird strafrechtlich verfolgt.
The distribution of illegal copies is prosecuted.
'Der Vertrieb' (sales / distribution) is the noun related to the verb 'vertreiben'. 'Vertreiben' means to sell and distribute something. This connection helps you understand the meaning of the noun.
Diese Firma vertreibt ihre Produkte in ganz Europa.
This company distributes its products throughout Europe.
In a business context, 'Vertrieb' (sales) is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are: 'im Vertrieb arbeiten' (to work in sales), 'den Vertrieb leiten' (to manage sales), 'den Vertrieb aufbauen' (to build up a sales organization), or 'für den Vertrieb zuständig sein' (to be responsible for sales).
Er arbeitet seit fünf Jahren im Vertrieb und kennt alle wichtigen Kunden.
He has worked in sales for five years and knows all the important customers.
This meaning is often found in legal or official texts. When the topic is media (films, software, books) or illegal goods, it usually means distribution, not the sales department.
Der Vertrieb des Films wurde in einigen Ländern verboten.
The distribution of the film was banned in some countries.
sale / sales
Verkauf and Vertrieb can both refer to a company department. Verkauf focuses on selling and direct contact with customers. Vertrieb also includes organizing the process and the channels through which products reach customers.
Der Vertrieb plant, über welche Händler das neue Produkt zu den Kunden gelangt.
Distribution is planning which retailers will deliver the new product to customers.
Der Verkauf berät die Kunden und nimmt ihre Bestellungen für das neue Produkt auf.
Sales advises customers and takes their orders for the new product.
