official / functionary
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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
'der Politiker' and 'der Funktionär' can both be people with an official role in politics or in an organization. A politician works in politics, for example in parliament or in a government. An official / functionary has a specific function in an organization, such as a political party, association, or club. He does not necessarily have to be an elected politician. The words can be confused because a politician can also be a Funktionär in a political party. However, 'Funktionär' often sounds more strongly connected to organization and administration and can seem slightly critical.
Samir spricht mit einem Funktionär des Sportvereins über die neuen Regeln.
Samir is talking with an official from the sports club about the new rules.
Im Rathaus beantwortet der Politiker heute Fragen der Bürger.
At city hall, the politician is answering citizens' questions today.