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.
arbitrator
In arbitration proceedings, a neutral third person who makes the final decision in the event of a tie between the other arbitrators. This meaning is specific to the legal field.
Da sich die beiden Parteien nicht einigen konnten, wurde ein Obmann zur Schlichtung des Streits bestellt.
Since the two parties could not reach an agreement, an arbitrator was appointed to settle the dispute.
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.
chairperson
Vorsitzender and Obmann can refer to the same leadership and representative role in an association or group. Which word is appropriate depends mainly on regional or institutional usage and on the official name of the position.
Laut Satzung vertritt der Obmann den Sportverein nach außen.
According to the bylaws, the chairman represents the sports club externally.
Laut Satzung vertritt der Vorsitzende den Sportverein nach außen.
According to the bylaws, the chairperson represents the sports club externally.
