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.
donor / dispenser
Both words can refer to a person who voluntarily gives money or goods to help others. „Spender“ neutrally describes the specific donation, while „Wohltäter“ portrays the person appreciatively as someone who does good for others. „Spender“ is more suitable in a factual statement, while „Wohltäter“ is more suitable in a praising description.
Die Bewohner dankten dem Wohltäter, der das Hilfsprojekt seit Jahren unterstützte.
The residents thanked the benefactor, who had supported the aid project for years.
Der Spender überwies dem Hilfsprojekt 2.000 Euro für Lebensmittel.
The donor transferred 2,000 euros to the aid project for food.
