Vermittlung

Vermittlung is a German noun meaning mediation, intermediation, or brokerage. It derives from vermitteln, the verb for mediating, conveying, or arranging connections between parties. In general, Vermittlung denotes the act of bringing together individuals, organizations, or information to achieve a purpose, often through an intermediary.

Because of its broad applicability, Vermittlung is used across many fields. The intermediary can be a person, such as a broker or employment counselor, or an institution, such as a company or platform, that facilitates a transaction, agreement, or transfer of information.

Common domains include employment (Arbeitsvermittlung and job-placement services), law and dispute resolution (mediation as an alternate path to settlement), and commerce or finance (Kreditvermittlung, Versicherungsvermittlung). In these contexts, Vermittlung emphasizes the bridging function of an intermediary. It can also refer to the transmission of cultural or informational content, where media, institutions, or signs mediate meaning between sender and receiver.

In philosophy and social theory, Vermittlung is used to describe how processes, structures, or signs mediate human perception, action, and social relations, often highlighting the role of mediators in shaping outcomes. Translations vary by field, with mediation or intermediation common in general use, and brokerage or agency more typical in economic contexts.