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.
president
'der Präsident' and 'der Generalsekretär' can both be high-ranking people in an organization. The 'Präsident' is often at the head of an organization, club, or institution and represents it externally. The 'Generalsekretär' is usually responsible for managing the administration, organizing the work, or handling day-to-day political work. In some large organizations, the secretary-general is very powerful, but they are not automatically the same as the president. Learners may confuse the words because both are important leadership titles. Pay attention to whether the focus is on chairing and representation, or on central organization and administration.
Der Generalsekretär der Partei organisiert die nächste Wahlkampagne.
The party's secretary-general organizes the next election campaign.
Der Präsident des Sportvereins begrüßt die Gäste auf der Feier.
The president of the sports club welcomes the guests at the celebration.