legation / diplomatic mission
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legation
A diplomatic mission that ranks below an embassy. The term can refer both to the institution and to the building.
Er wurde als Attaché an die deutsche Gesandtschaft in Bern berufen.
He was appointed as attaché to the German legation in Bern.
The word belongs to the word family of 'senden' (to send). A 'Gesandter' (envoy) is a person who is sent. The 'Gesandtschaft' (legation/delegation) is the institution or the group of these people.
Der König schickte eine Gesandtschaft, um über den Frieden zu verhandeln.
The king sent a delegation to negotiate peace.
Whether the building or the group of people is meant is revealed by the context. Prepositions of place such as 'in' (in) or 'bei' (at/with) point to the building. Verbs that describe actions by people point to the group.
Er arbeitet in der österreichischen Gesandtschaft. (Gebäude)
He works in the Austrian legation. (building)
'Gesandtschaft' (legation/delegation) is a formal, official term from the field of diplomacy and politics. It is rarely used in everyday language.
Die Gesandtschaft überreichte dem Präsidenten ein offizielles Schreiben.
The delegation handed the president an official letter.
mission
'die Mission' and 'die Gesandtschaft' can both have to do with people who are officially sent to another country. 'Mission' is more general and emphasizes the goal of the group that has been sent, for example aid, religion, or political talks. 'Gesandtschaft' is a diplomatic word and means an official representation or the group of diplomatic representatives. The words can be confused because both sound connected to 'being sent'. When it is about diplomacy and state representation, 'Gesandtschaft' fits. When the special assignment is the main focus, 'Mission' is more natural.
Die Gesandtschaft führte lange Gespräche mit der Regierung des Landes.
The legation held long talks with the country's government.
Die Mission arbeitet seit zwei Monaten in dem kleinen Dorf.
The mission has been working in the small village for two months.