benefactor
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benefactor
A person who does good for other people, especially through financial donations or material support for social or charitable purposes.
Ein anonymer Wohltäter spendete eine Million Euro für den Bau des neuen Krankenhauses.
An anonymous benefactor donated one million euros for the construction of the new hospital.
The word is made up of 'Wohl' (good, well-being) and 'Täter' (someone who does something). A 'Wohltäter' (benefactor) is therefore literally a 'doer of good.'
Dank eines großzügigen Wohltäters konnte die Schule neue Computer kaufen.
Thanks to a generous benefactor, the school was able to buy new computers.
The word 'Täter' (perpetrator) on its own usually has a negative meaning and refers to a criminal. Only in combination with 'Wohl' does the meaning become positive and describe a person who does good.
Die Polizei sucht den Täter des Einbruchs.
The police are looking for the perpetrator of the burglary.
'Wohltäter' (benefactor) is often combined with adjectives that describe the type of support. Common combinations are 'großzügiger Wohltäter' (generous benefactor), 'anonymer Wohltäter' (anonymous benefactor), or 'bekannter Wohltäter' (well-known benefactor).
Ein anonymer Wohltäter hat die medizinische Behandlung des Kindes bezahlt.
An anonymous benefactor paid for the child's medical treatment.
angel
'der Engel' and 'der Wohltäter' can both refer to a person who helps others. 'Engel' is more affectionate and personal: you say it about someone who is very nice, patient, or helpful. 'Wohltäter' sounds more formal and usually means a person who helps others through money, donations, or major support. In everyday life, you are more likely to say 'Du bist ein Engel' (you're an angel) when someone has helped directly. 'Wohltäter' fits better with social projects, clubs or organizations, or people who regularly finance good causes.
Ein unbekannter Wohltäter bezahlt jedes Jahr neue Bücher für die Schule.
An unknown benefactor pays for new books for the school every year.
Meine Nachbarin war ein Engel und hat auf mein Kind aufgepasst.
My neighbor was an angel and looked after my child.