German word

Referent

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁefəˈʁɛnt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounspeaker

Example

Der Referent spricht heute über Klimaschutz.

The speaker is talking about climate protection today.

Illustration for Referent (speaker)

More examples

Sie bat den Referenten, die Folien vorab zu schicken.

She asked the speaker to send the slides in advance.

Core concept

One person serves as the recognized voice for a topic, speaking publicly or managing it within an official body.

Common phrases

  • als Referent eingeladen werden

    be invited as a speaker

  • mit dem Referenten in Kontakt treten

    get in touch with the speaker

  • den Referenten fragen

    ask the speaker

Similar words

Sprecher: A spokesperson who explains matters or expresses opinions for an organization or group.
Dozent: A teacher who gives specialized lectures or classes at a university or professional school.
Moderator: A host who guides the proceedings of a meeting, debate, or broadcast.
Vortragender: A speaker who delivers a talk or presentation.

Definition in German

Jemand, der vor Publikum ein Thema präsentiert, meist als Vortragender oder als fachlich zuständige Person in einer Behörde.

Word origin

German Referent is a learned borrowing from Latin referens, 'reporting' or 'bringing back', formed from the verb referre.

Usage tips

  • Referent is a false friend of English 'referent': in German it normally denotes a person, not the thing referred to.

Other meanings

  • person in chargenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word