chairman / arbitrator
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chairman
A person who chairs a group, committee, or parliamentary group and represents it externally. The term is often used in political, union, or club/association contexts.
Der Obmann des Untersuchungsausschusses informierte die Presse über den aktuellen Stand.
The chairman of the investigative committee informed the press about the current status.
The word is made up of 'Ob-' and 'Mann' (man). The prefix 'Ob-' is an old form of 'über' (over/above) and here means 'superior' or 'leader'. An Obmann is therefore literally an 'upper man'.
Er wurde zum Obmann des Vereins ernannt.
He was appointed chairman of the association.
The term 'Obmann' (chairman) is especially common in Austria and Switzerland for the chairs of associations or parties. In Germany, it is used more specifically, e.g., for the chair of a parliamentary committee.
Der Obmann des Sportvereins kommt aus Tirol.
The chairman of the sports club comes from Tyrol.
To specify whose chairman a person is, the genitive is often used. The structure is then: 'Obmann + des/der + [Gruppe/Ausschuss]' (chairman + of the + [group/committee]).
Der Obmann des Finanzausschusses hat eine Pressekonferenz gegeben.
The chairman of the finance committee gave a press conference.
You can recognize the legal meaning from the context. If there is talk of a 'Schiedsverfahren' (arbitration proceeding), a 'Schlichtung' (mediation/settlement), or a 'Streit' (dispute) between two parties, the Obmann is the neutral decision-maker.
Im Schiedsverfahren traf der Obmann die endgültige Entscheidung.
In the arbitration proceedings, the arbitrator made the final decision.
president
'der Präsident' and 'der Obmann' can both refer to a person who leads a group or represents it externally. 'Präsident' sounds more general and is used for many organizations, clubs, or institutions. 'Obmann' is more suited to a specific group, committee, parliamentary group, or club/association, and sounds more like internal representation. The words can be confused because both have to do with chairing and leadership. In a large club/association or institution, 'Präsident' is often more natural; in a committee or political group, 'Obmann' can be more precise.
Vor dem Termin spricht der Obmann der Fraktion mit den anderen Mitgliedern.
Before the appointment, the chairman of the parliamentary group speaks with the other members.
Bei der Versammlung sitzt der Präsident des Vereins vorne am Tisch.
At the meeting, the president of the club sits at the front table.