bureaucratic
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bureaucratic
In a way characterized by complicated rules, many forms, and slow, cumbersome processes. This word is usually used with a negative evaluation of inefficiency.
Der Antrag für die Baugenehmigung war ein unglaublich bürokratischer Aufwand.
The application for the building permit involved an unbelievably bureaucratic effort.
administrative
In a neutral sense: relating to bureaucracy, that is, the administration of a state or large organization; in the manner of administration.
Die Einhaltung der bürokratischen Abläufe ist für die Rechtssicherheit unerlässlich.
Compliance with administrative procedures is essential for legal certainty.
The adjective 'bürokratisch' (bureaucratic) is derived from the noun 'die Bürokratie' (bureaucracy). This describes an administrative system with fixed rules and offices, literally a 'rule of offices'.
Die Bürokratie in großen Unternehmen kann Entscheidungen verlangsamen.
Bureaucracy in large companies can slow down decisions.
In normal usage, 'bürokratisch' (bureaucratic) almost always has a negative connotation. It describes procedures that are perceived as unnecessarily complicated, slow, and inefficient.
Es war ein langer, bürokratischer Prozess, bis wir die Genehmigung bekamen.
It was a long, bureaucratic process before we got the permit.
Common combinations with a negative meaning are 'bürokratischer Aufwand' (bureaucratic effort), 'bürokratische Hürden' (bureaucratic hurdles), or 'ein bürokratischer Akt' (a bureaucratic act/procedure). These expressions convey frustration with a process.
Für kleine Firmen stellen die vielen Formulare eine große bürokratische Hürde dar.
For small companies, the many forms represent a major bureaucratic hurdle.
In specialist texts, for example from legal or administrative studies, 'bürokratisch' (bureaucratic/administrative) can also be used neutrally. It then simply means 'relating to administration'. The formal context usually makes it clear that no criticism is intended.
Die Untersuchung beschreibt die bürokratischen Strukturen des Ministeriums.
The study describes the administrative structures of the ministry.
administrative
Administrativ describes administrative tasks and procedures in a neutral way. Bürokratisch is appropriate when such procedures are criticized as unnecessarily cumbersome because of numerous rules, forms, or slow processes. So use administrativ for an objective description and bürokratisch for a negative evaluation.
Die Änderung des Namens ist ein bürokratischer Vorgang und erfordert fünf Formulare.
Changing the name is a bureaucratic procedure and requires five forms.
Die Änderung des Namens ist ein administrativer Vorgang und wird innerhalb eines Tages erledigt.
Changing the name is an administrative procedure and will be completed within a day.
