delegation / secondment
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delegation
A small group of people officially sent to represent a larger organization, a country, or an interest group at an event or negotiation.
Eine Abordnung des Bundestages reiste zu den politischen Gesprächen nach Washington.
A delegation from the Bundestag traveled to Washington for the political talks.
The noun 'die Abordnung' (delegation/secondment) is derived from the verb 'abordnen' (to delegate/second). It describes either the result (the group sent) or the process of 'Abordnen' (assigning someone to another position).
Der Minister wird eine Expertin in die Kommission abordnen.
The minister will delegate an expert to the commission.
You can tell from the verb whether a group of people or an administrative process is meant. If the 'Abordnung' (delegation) itself acts, e.g. travels or negotiates, it is a group. If something happens to the 'Abordnung' (secondment), e.g. it is approved, it is the process.
Die Abordnung aus Japan besichtigt morgen das Werk.
The delegation from Japan is visiting the plant tomorrow.
When 'Abordnung' means a delegation, it is often combined with verbs such as 'entsenden' (to send/deploy), 'empfangen' (to receive), or 'leiten' (to lead). The origin of the group is described with 'von', 'aus', or the genitive.
Eine Abordnung von Wissenschaftlern wurde zum Kongress entsandt.
A delegation of scientists was sent to the congress.
The meaning of an official work assignment is typical of official and administrative language, especially in the context of civil servants, soldiers, or public-sector employees.
Sein Antrag auf Abordnung in eine andere Abteilung wurde bewilligt.
His application for secondment to another department was approved.
mission
'die Mission' and 'die Abordnung' can both mean a group that is sent somewhere for a specific purpose. 'Mission' puts more emphasis on the goal or task, often in a religious, humanitarian, political, or scientific context. 'Abordnung' sounds more official and usually means a small group that represents a larger organization or a country. If the purpose is the focus, 'Mission' is more likely to fit. If the focus is on the representatives who have been sent, 'Abordnung' is more precise.
Eine Abordnung der Firma nahm an den Gesprächen im Rathaus teil.
A delegation from the company took part in the talks at city hall.
Die Mission brachte Ärzte und Hilfsgüter in das Krisengebiet.
The mission brought doctors and relief supplies to the crisis area.