instance / authority
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level / instance
A level in a hierarchical system, especially in courts or government authorities, that is responsible for decisions.
Das Urteil wurde in der nächsten Instanz von einem höheren Gericht überprüft.
The judgment was reviewed at the next instance by a higher court.
authority
A person or institution regarded as an authority, whose judgment or opinion carries great weight.
Für viele ist das Bundesverfassungsgericht die letzte moralische Instanz im Staat.
For many, the Federal Constitutional Court is the final moral authority in the state.
instance
In computer science, a concrete, individual copy of an object that exists while a program is running.
Für jeden angemeldeten Benutzer wird eine eigene Instanz der Anwendung erzeugt.
A separate instance of the application is created for each logged-in user.
'Die Instanz' does not mean the same as the English 'instance' in 'for instance'. To give an example, German uses 'zum Beispiel' (for example; abbreviated: z. B.).
Viele Tiere, zum Beispiel Hunde und Katzen, sind beliebte Haustiere.
Many animals, for example dogs and cats, are popular pets.
In legal or administrative contexts, 'Instanz' is often used with ordinal numbers. Fixed phrases include 'in erster/letzter Instanz' (at first/final instance) or 'durch alle Instanzen gehen' (to go through all instances/levels of appeal).
Der Fall ging durch alle Instanzen bis zum höchsten Gericht.
The case went through all instances up to the highest court.
When a person or institution is described as an authority, 'Instanz' is often combined with an adjective. A very common combination is 'eine moralische Instanz' (a moral authority).
Die Großmutter galt in der Familie als moralische Instanz.
The grandmother was regarded as the moral authority in the family.
In computer science, an 'Instanz' (instance) refers to an individual running copy of an object or program. This meaning is used only in an IT context.
Der Server startet für jeden neuen Benutzer eine eigene Instanz des Programms.
The server starts a separate instance of the program for each new user.
plain / level
Both words can refer to a level in a hierarchy. Ebene generally describes an organizational or abstract area, while Instanz refers to a hierarchical level with decision-making authority. Use Ebene for the area and Instanz when this level is responsible for decisions, especially in courts or government authorities.
Das Gericht prüft, ob die Entscheidung der ersten Instanz korrekt war.
The court is examining whether the decision by the court of first instance was correct.
Die Frage muss zunächst auf der zuständigen Verwaltungsebene geklärt werden.
The question must first be clarified at the relevant administrative level.
