vertreten
represent
Für jemand anderen sprechen oder handeln, weil diese Person nicht da ist oder etwas nicht selbst machen kann.
The German word "vertreten" is a verb that means "to represent", "to stand in for", or "to defend". It comes from the verb "treten" which means "to step" or "to kick".
- "treten" implies stepping or taking a position.
- "vertreten" thus figuratively means "to take someone's place" or act on their behalf.
Similar words:
- repräsentieren (to represent)
- erdolgen (to act for, less common)
- vertrauen (depending on context, 'to advocate' or 'to speak for')
Differences:
- "vertreten" typically implies actively standing in place of someone or supporting a cause, often in legal, professional, or advocacy contexts.
- "repräsentieren" is more formal and general, often used for official representation or symbolic standing.
Example:
- Ein Anwalt vertritt seinen Mandanten. (A lawyer represents his client.)
- Der Botschafter repräsentiert sein Land im Ausland. (The ambassador represents his country abroad.)
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Examples
Wir vertreten hier eine wichtige Position.verb
We represent an important position here.
Wir vertreten die Firma bei der Konferenz.verb
We represent the company at the conference.
Letzte Woche vertraten wir die Gruppe auf der Konferenz.verb
Last week we represented the group at the conference.
In der Versammlung vertritt niemand meine Ansicht.verb
In the meeting, no one represents my view.
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