vertreten
Translation
to represent, to substitute for, to advocate
Examples
Er vertritt seine Firma auf der Messe.
He represents his company at the trade fair.
Sie vertritt heute ihre kranke Kollegin.
She is substituting for her sick colleague today.
Der Anwalt vertritt die Meinung seines Mandanten.
The lawyer advocates for his client's opinion.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to represent sb./sth. He represents his company at the trade fair.
((sb.)) to substitute for sb. She is substituting for her sick colleague today.
Similar Words
Synonyms: repräsentieren; Antonyms: im Stich lassen (to leave in the lurch)
Etymology
Composed of 'ver-' (a prefix) and 'treten' (to step). The idea is stepping forward for someone or something.
Memory Tips
Think of 'stepping' (treten) into someone's shoes to represent them.