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
'die Stelle' and 'die Behörde' can both mean an institution you contact with an official question. 'Stelle' is more general and can be any responsible office, institution, or contact address, even outside the state. 'Behörde' is more specific: it belongs to the state or the city and makes decisions about official matters such as identity documents, registrations, or permits. Learners may confuse the words because people often say that you should contact the right 'Stelle' or a 'Behörde'. When it is about administration and official decisions, 'Behörde' is usually more precise.
Für den neuen Pass muss Mehmet einen Termin bei der Behörde machen.
For the new passport, Mehmet has to make an appointment with the authority.
Bei Fragen zur Anmeldung wenden Sie sich bitte an die zuständige Stelle.
If you have questions about registration, please contact the responsible office.