secretary-general
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secretary-general
The senior official or highest administrative leader of a large organization, such as a party, association, or international institution.
Der Generalsekretär der Vereinten Nationen rief zu einem Waffenstillstand auf.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations called for a ceasefire.
The word is made up of 'General' (general/chief) and 'Sekretär' (secretary). The part 'General' indicates the highest rank here, so the 'Generalsekretär' (secretary-general) is the highest-ranking administrative person in an organization.
Zum neuen Generalsekretär der Partei wurde ein erfahrener Politiker gewählt.
An experienced politician was elected as the party's new secretary-general.
This title is almost always mentioned in connection with a specific organization. Common combinations are 'Generalsekretär der UN/NATO' (Secretary-General of the UN/NATO) or 'Generalsekretär einer Partei' (secretary-general of a party).
Der Generalsekretär der NATO gab eine Pressekonferenz.
The Secretary-General of NATO gave a press conference.
The word 'Generalsekretär' (secretary-general) belongs to formal language and is used mainly in politics, news, and administration.
In den Nachrichten wurde über die Rede des Generalsekretärs berichtet.
The news reported on the secretary-general's speech.
managing director
Der Geschäftsführer and der Generalsekretär are senior figures in an organization, but they typically have different areas of responsibility. Der Geschäftsführer is responsible for the day-to-day business of a company or organization, while der Generalsekretär is primarily the highest-ranking administrative leader of a large organization. The key question is therefore whether the day-to-day business or the administrative leadership is meant.
Der Generalsekretär leitet die Verwaltung unseres internationalen Verbandes.
The secretary-general heads the administration of our international association.
Der Geschäftsführer leitet die laufenden Geschäfte unseres Unternehmens.
The managing director runs the day-to-day operations of our company.
