decision-maker
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decision-maker
A person in an organization, company, or in politics who has the authority to make important and far-reaching decisions.
Die Entscheidungsträger des Konzerns beraten über die neue Strategie.
The corporation's decision-makers are discussing the new strategy.
The word is a typical German compound: it consists of 'Entscheidung' (decision), the linking -s, and 'Träger' (carrier/bearer). So a 'Entscheidungsträger' (decision-maker) is literally someone who 'carries' or is responsible for a decision.
Als Projektleiter ist er der zentrale Entscheidungsträger.
As project manager, he is the central decision-maker.
The word belongs to the family of the verb 'entscheiden' (to decide). If you know 'entscheiden' (to decide) and 'die Entscheidung' (the decision), you can easily derive the meaning of 'Entscheidungsträger' (decision-maker).
Wer entscheidet das am Ende? Wir müssen mit den Entscheidungsträgern sprechen.
Who decides that in the end? We need to speak with the decision-makers.
This term is mainly used in formal contexts such as business, politics, and administration. It refers to people in high-level positions.
Die politischen Entscheidungsträger müssen eine Lösung für die Krise finden.
The political decision-makers must find a solution to the crisis.
leader / conductor
'der Leiter' and 'der Entscheidungsträger' can both be people in an important position. 'der Leiter' leads a group or department and is responsible for the work there. 'der Entscheidungsträger', on the other hand, emphasizes that someone is allowed to make important decisions, for example in a company or in politics. That person can be a leader, but does not always have to be. The words can be confused because leaders often make decisions too. When the focus is on leadership in everyday contexts, 'Leiter' is more natural; when decision-making power is the main point, 'Entscheidungsträger' fits better.
Vor dem Projektstart sprechen wir mit den wichtigsten Entscheidungsträgern.
Before the project starts, we will speak with the key decision-makers.
Der Leiter des Kurses erklärt heute den neuen Plan.
The course leader is explaining the new plan today.