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.
secondment
The administrative process of temporarily assigning a person, often a civil servant or soldier, to another office or to a special task.
Die Abordnung des Beamten in ein anderes Ministerium wurde für sechs Monate genehmigt.
The civil servant's secondment to another ministry was approved for six months.
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.
implementation / conversion
Umsetzung and Abordnung can be confused in an administrative context. However, the accepted meaning of Umsetzung describes only the practical realization of a project, while Abordnung means the temporary assignment of a person to another government office. Therefore, no suitable meaning of Umsetzung is given for this administrative distinction.
Die Abordnung von Frau Keller an eine andere Dienststelle gilt zunächst für sechs Monate.
Ms. Keller's secondment to another government office will initially last six months.
Die Umsetzung des neuen Arbeitsplans beginnt am Montag.
Implementation of the new work plan will begin on Monday.
