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.
'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.
place / position
'die Stelle' and 'die Instanz' can both refer to an institution or authority that you can contact. 'die Stelle' sounds more general and often means a responsible government authority, office, or organization. 'die Instanz' emphasizes an official level or authority more strongly, especially in courts, government authorities, or decisions. They can be confused when responsibility is involved. If you simply want to say who is responsible, 'Stelle' is usually more natural. If it is about a higher level, a judgment, or an authority, 'Instanz' is more precise.
Nach dem Urteil möchte der Anwalt die nächste Instanz anrufen.
After the judgment, the lawyer wants to appeal to the next instance.
Für die Anmeldung musst du dich an die zuständige Stelle im Rathaus wenden.
For the registration, you need to contact the responsible office at city hall.