authority / agency
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authority / agency
A state or municipal institution that is responsible for administrative tasks and exercises public authority. Citizens must contact authorities for official matters such as passports, permits, or registrations.
Für die Anmeldung meines neuen Autos muss ich zur zuständigen Behörde.
To register my new car, I have to go to the responsible authority.
Pay attention to the difference in prepositions: you go 'zur Behörde' (to the authority; direction, with accusative), but you are or work 'bei der Behörde' (at/for the authority; location, with dative).
Ich muss morgen zur Ausländerbehörde, um mein Visum zu verlängern.
I have to go to the immigration authority tomorrow to extend my visa.
Common verbs in connection with authorities are 'sich an eine Behörde wenden' (to contact an authority) or 'eine Genehmigung bei einer Behörde beantragen' (to apply for a permit from an authority). People also often speak of the 'zuständige Behörde' (responsible authority).
Für die Baugenehmigung müssen Sie sich an die zuständige Behörde wenden.
For the building permit, you must contact the responsible authority.
'Behörde' (authority/agency) is a general term. In everyday life, the specific names are often used, and they frequently end in '-amt' or '-behörde', for example 'das Finanzamt' (tax office), 'das Standesamt' (registry office), or 'die Ausländerbehörde' (immigration authority).
Die Anmeldung des Wohnsitzes erfolgt beim Einwohnermeldeamt.
Registration of residence is done at the residents' registration office.
place / position
Stelle and Behörde can both refer to an entity responsible for an official matter. Stelle is more general and can also mean a responsible organizational unit outside the state, while Behörde specifically refers to a state or municipal institution. When public administration is meant, Behörde is more precise.
Für den neuen Pass muss ich den Antrag bei der zuständigen Behörde einreichen.
To get my new passport, I have to submit the application to the responsible authority.
Bitte richten Sie den Antrag an die zuständige Stelle unserer Organisation.
Please send the application to the responsible department of our organization.
