delegation
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delegation
A group of people chosen to officially represent a larger group, an organization, or a country at an event or negotiation.
Eine deutsche Delegation reiste zur Klimakonferenz nach Paris.
A German delegation traveled to Paris for the climate conference.
delegation
The transfer of tasks, responsibility, or authority to another person, usually to a subordinate employee.
Die Delegation von Verantwortung ist ein wichtiger Teil guter Führung.
The delegation of responsibility is an important part of good leadership.
The noun 'Delegation' belongs to the verb 'delegieren' (to delegate). This verb means to transfer a task or responsibility to someone else. This connection helps you understand both meanings of the noun.
Der Chef sollte lernen, mehr Aufgaben zu delegieren.
The boss should learn to delegate more tasks.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it refers to a group of people, there are often location details or verbs like 'reisen' (to travel) and 'empfangen' (to receive) nearby. If it is about transferring tasks, you will find words like 'Verantwortung' (responsibility) or 'Aufgaben' (tasks) nearby.
Die Delegation aus Japan wurde am Flughafen empfangen.
The delegation from Japan was received at the airport.
When referring to a group of people, a delegation is often 'entsandt' (sent/deployed), 'empfangen' (received), or 'geleitet' (led). You can also say 'Mitglied einer Delegation sein' (to be a member of a delegation).
Unsere Firma entsendet eine Delegation zur internationalen Messe.
Our company is sending a delegation to the international trade fair.
In the meaning of 'transfer', 'Delegation' is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and an abstract noun. Typical phrases are 'die Delegation von Aufgaben' (the delegation of tasks) and 'die Delegation von Verantwortung' (the delegation of responsibility).
Eine klare Delegation von Aufgaben verhindert Missverständnisse.
A clear delegation of tasks prevents misunderstandings.
transmission / transfer
Both words can refer to passing tasks or authority to someone else. Übertragung is the more general term, while Delegation usually means deliberately assigning responsibility to another person, often someone lower in the hierarchy. Use “Übertragung” neutrally and “Delegation” for this organizational division of roles.
Die Delegation der Verantwortung an die Teamleiterin entlastete den Abteilungsleiter.
Delegating responsibility to the team leader relieved the department head.
Die Übertragung der Aufgabe an einen Kollegen wurde schriftlich festgehalten.
The transfer of the task to a colleague was recorded in writing.
