Mandarin / mandarin
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Mandarin
The official standard language of China, spoken as a native language by the largest number of people worldwide. It is one of the official languages of the United Nations.
Er lernt seit einem Jahr Mandarin, um in China studieren zu können.
He has been learning Mandarin for a year so that he can study in China.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. Verbs like 'lernen' (to learn), 'sprechen' (to speak), or 'verstehen' (to understand) point to the language. A historical connection with imperial China points to the official.
Sie möchte Mandarin lernen, um die Kultur besser zu verstehen.
She wants to learn Mandarin in order to understand the culture better.
When 'Mandarin' refers to the language, it is often combined with verbs of speaking and learning. Typical phrases are 'Mandarin sprechen' (to speak Mandarin), 'Mandarin lernen' (to learn Mandarin), or to say something 'auf Mandarin' (in Mandarin).
Im Kurs lernen wir, einfache Sätze auf Mandarin zu bilden.
In the course, we are learning to form simple sentences in Mandarin.
The meaning 'Beamter' (official) is used almost exclusively in historical texts about ancient China. A clear signal for this meaning is also the plural form 'die Mandarine' (the mandarins), since the language has no plural.
Die Mandarine mussten komplexe Prüfungen bestehen, um ihr Amt zu erhalten.
The mandarins had to pass complex examinations in order to obtain their office.
dignitary
'Würdenträger' and 'Mandarin' can both refer to a person with a high office. 'Würdenträger' is a general word for important people in the state, church, or public life, especially at official occasions. In this meaning, 'Mandarin' refers much more specifically to a high-ranking official in imperial China. For that reason, 'Mandarin' is only appropriate in a historical Chinese context. 'Würdenträger' is broader and can be used for many countries, periods, and institutions.
Der Mandarin hatte im kaiserlichen China eine wichtige Stellung am Hof.
The mandarin held an important position at court in imperial China.
Beim Fest saßen mehrere Würdenträger in der ersten Reihe.
At the celebration, several dignitaries sat in the front row.