official / functionary
Loading your saved state.
official / functionary
A person who holds an official function or position in an organization such as a political party, association, or club. The term can have a bureaucratic or slightly negative connotation.
Der Sportfunktionär war für die Organisation der Meisterschaft verantwortlich.
The sports official was responsible for organizing the championship.
'Der Funktionär' (official/functionary) is derived from the word 'die Funktion' (function/role), which means 'Aufgabe' (task) or 'Amt' (office/position). The ending '-är' often refers to a person who holds a particular role.
Seine Funktion im Verein ist die des Kassenwarts.
His role in the club is that of treasurer.
The word 'Funktionär' (official/functionary) often has a slightly negative or critical connotation. It describes a person who acts very bureaucratically and strictly according to the rules of their organization, sometimes without regard for the human side.
Der Funktionär lehnte den Antrag aus formalen Gründen ab.
The official rejected the application for formal reasons.
To specify the official's field, the word is often used in compounds. Common examples are 'Parteifunktionär' (party official), 'Sportfunktionär' (sports official), or 'Gewerkschaftsfunktionär' (trade union official).
Als hoher Sportfunktionär reiste er zu den Olympischen Spielen.
As a high-ranking sports official, he traveled to the Olympic Games.
politician
Within a party, „Politiker“ and „Funktionär“ can refer to the same person. „Politiker“ emphasizes their professional political activity or office; „Funktionär“ highlights their official internal role in the party and does not require them to hold political office or a mandate.
Als Leiter des Parteiverbands organisiert der Funktionär die Arbeit der Mitglieder.
As head of the party branch, the official organizes the members' work.
Als gewählter Minister vertritt der Politiker die Partei in der Regierung.
As an elected minister, the politician represents the party in the government.
