office
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office / department
A department or office of an authority, public office, or larger organization where public duties are carried out.
Für die Ausstellung eines neuen Passes müssen Sie zur zuständigen Dienststelle im Bürgeramt gehen.
To have a new passport issued, you need to go to the responsible office at the citizens' registration office.
The word is made up of 'Dienst' (service, in the sense of public service) and 'Stelle' (place). A 'Dienststelle' is therefore literally a place where a public service is provided.
Die zentrale Dienststelle der Verwaltung befindet sich im Rathaus.
The central office of the administration is located in city hall.
'Dienststelle' is a formal term from administrative language (official German). It is used almost exclusively for offices and departments of public offices, authorities, or large organizations such as the police.
Bitte wenden Sie sich mit Ihrem Anliegen an die zuständige Dienststelle.
Please contact the responsible office with your concern.
'Dienststelle' is often combined with the adjective 'zuständig' (responsible) to name the department in charge. A typical action is 'sich an eine Dienststelle wenden' (to contact an office).
Ich weiß nicht, welche Dienststelle für meinen Antrag zuständig ist.
I don't know which office is responsible for my application.
office / agency
Amt is an authority with specific public responsibilities. Dienststelle, by contrast, usually refers to a specific organizational unit or office within an authority. Amt is appropriate for the responsible authority, while Dienststelle is used for the specific workplace or responsible department.
Die zuständige Dienststelle im Rathaus nimmt den Antrag auf Wohngeld entgegen.
The responsible office at the town hall accepts the application for housing benefit.
Das Amt entscheidet über den Antrag auf Wohngeld.
The office decides on the application for housing benefit.
