commander
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commander
A person who has the highest authority to give orders over a unit or formation in a hierarchical organization, especially in the military.
Der Befehlshaber gab den Befehl zum Rückzug.
The commander gave the order to retreat.
'Befehlshaber' (commander) is a compound noun made from 'Befehl' (order/command), the linking -s, and 'Haber' (from 'haben', to have). So it literally describes a person who has command.
Nur der Befehlshaber darf die Strategie ändern.
Only the commander may change the strategy.
This word is a formal, official title. It is used almost exclusively in hierarchical organizations such as the military, the police, or the fire department.
Der Befehlshaber der Feuerwehr koordinierte den Einsatz.
The commander of the fire department coordinated the operation.
To specify what someone has command over, the genitive is usually used. The pattern is: 'Befehlshaber + der/des + [unit in the genitive]'.
Er wurde zum Befehlshaber der gesamten Flotte ernannt.
He was appointed commander of the entire fleet.
general
'der General' and 'der Befehlshaber' can both mean a person with great military responsibility. The difference is important: 'General' is a rank, meaning an official military rank. 'Befehlshaber' describes the function, namely that someone has the highest authority to give orders over a unit or formation. A general can be a 'Befehlshaber', but a 'Befehlshaber' is described mainly by his role. The words are easy to confuse because high-ranking generals are often also commanders. If the rank is important, use 'General'; if the authority to give orders is important, 'Befehlshaber' fits better.
Im Einsatz entscheidet der Befehlshaber über den nächsten Schritt.
During the operation, the commander decides on the next step.
Sie spricht morgen mit dem General über die neue Lage.
She is speaking with the general tomorrow about the new situation.