pioneer
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pioneer
A person, group, or company that is among the first to develop new ideas, take new paths, or lead a development; a pioneer.
Das Unternehmen gilt als Vorreiter in der Entwicklung von Elektroautos.
The company is considered a pioneer in the development of electric cars.
outrider
A rider who historically rode ahead of a procession or carriage to clear the way or announce its arrival. This literal meaning is very rare today.
Bei der historischen Parade ritt ein Vorreiter in Uniform an der Spitze des Zuges.
At the historical parade, an outrider in uniform rode at the head of the procession.
The word is made up of 'vor' (in front, ahead) and 'Reiter' (someone who rides). The figurative meaning 'pioneer' comes directly from this image: a 'Vorreiter' is someone who 'rides ahead' of a development.
Er war ein Vorreiter auf dem Gebiet der künstlichen Intelligenz.
He was a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence.
In its modern meaning, 'Vorreiter' (pioneer) is often used in fixed expressions: 'ein Vorreiter in' + field (dative), 'als Vorreiter gelten' (to be considered a pioneer), or 'eine Vorreiterrolle einnehmen' (to take on a pioneering role).
Das Institut nimmt eine Vorreiterrolle in der Klimaforschung ein.
The institute takes on a pioneering role in climate research.
The literal meaning of a rider who rides ahead is very rare today and is found almost only in historical descriptions of parades or old carriages. In modern usage, 'Pionier' (pioneer) is almost always meant.
In dem historischen Roman wurde der Vorreiter des Königs beschrieben.
In the historical novel, the king's outrider was described.
precursor
A Vorläufer (precursor) held a position, role, or idea earlier and therefore came before someone else in time. A Vorreiter (pioneer), by contrast, actively breaks new ground and leads a development. Use Vorläufer for the earlier form or person, and Vorreiter for the driving force behind a development.
Das kleine Unternehmen war ein Vorreiter bei umweltfreundlichen Verpackungen.
The small company was a pioneer in environmentally friendly packaging.
Der frühere Trainer war der Vorläufer des heutigen Vereinsleiters.
The former coach was the precursor to the club director who leads the organization today.
