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.
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.
commission
'Kommission' and 'Delegation' can both be an official group of people. But their purpose is different. A 'Kommission' is given a task, for example to review, investigate, or prepare something. A 'Delegation' represents a larger group, an organization, or a country at a meeting or negotiation. They can be confused because both occur in official situations. A helpful rule: a 'Kommission' works on a task; a 'Delegation' speaks or acts on behalf of others.
Morgen reist eine Delegation aus Frankreich zu den Gesprächen an.
Tomorrow, a delegation from France will arrive for the talks.
Der Stadtrat setzt eine Kommission für die neue Verkehrsplanung ein.
The city council appoints a commission for the new traffic planning.