German Phrase
Ein Ombudsmann kann bei Streitigkeiten vermitteln.
Meaning
The sentence states that an ombudsman is able to act as a neutral mediator when people are in conflict. It highlights the ombudsman's role as a facilitator who helps the parties find a solution without going to court.
When to use
Use this phrase when you describe the function of an ombudsman in a company, a public institution, or any organization that offers a dispute‑resolution service. It is common in formal or semi‑formal discussions about consumer rights, employee grievances, or legal mediation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EinOmbudsmannkannbeiStreitigkeitenvermitteln.
Ein (indefinite article)
Masculine nominative singular indefinite article, used before a noun that is the subject.
Ombudsmann (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'ombudsman', a neutral third‑party who helps resolve conflicts.
kann (modal verb)
3rd person singular present of 'können', expresses ability or possibility.
bei (preposition)
Preposition that governs the dative case; here it introduces the circumstance 'Streitigkeiten'.
Streitigkeiten (plural noun, dative)
Plural of 'Streitigkeit' (dispute); after 'bei' it takes the dative case.
vermitteln (infinitive verb)
Infinitive of 'vermitteln' meaning 'to mediate' or 'to act as an intermediary'.
🗨In Conversation
Wir haben ein Problem mit der Abrechnung und wissen nicht, an wen wir uns wenden sollen.
We have a problem with the billing and don’t know who to turn to.
Ein Ombudsmann kann bei Streitigkeiten vermitteln.
An ombudsman can mediate in disputes.
✕Common Mistakes
Ein Ombudsmann kann bei Streitigkeiten verhandeln.
‘verhandeln’ means ‘to negotiate’, not ‘to mediate’. Use ‘vermitteln’ for the neutral third‑party role.
Ein Ombudsmann kann bei die Streitigkeiten vermitteln.
After ‘bei’ the noun must be dative, so the article should be ‘den’ (plural) or omitted as in the example.
Ombudsmann kann bei Streitigkeiten vermitteln.
Missing the subject article ‘Ein’ makes the sentence sound incomplete.
↔Alternatives
Ein Ombudsperson kann bei Konflikten vermitteln.
An ombudsperson can mediate in conflicts.
Ein Schlichter kann bei Streitigkeiten helfen.
A mediator can help with disputes.
Ein Vermittler kann bei Auseinandersetzungen unterstützen.
A mediator can support in confrontations.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the term 'Ombudsmann' is traditionally masculine, but many institutions now use the gender‑neutral 'Ombudsperson' or 'Ombudsfrau' to be inclusive. The role is usually independent, confidential, and often linked to consumer protection or employee rights. When speaking formally, you might also hear 'der Ombudsmann des Unternehmens' or 'die Ombudsstelle'.