personal details / personnel matter
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personal details
A person's personal data, such as name, address, and date of birth. Used almost exclusively in the plural.
Die Polizei nahm die Personalien aller Zeugen auf.
The police recorded the personal details of all the witnesses.
personnel matter
A matter or decision concerning a specific person, especially in a professional context, such as hiring, promotion, or dismissal.
Die wichtigste Personalie auf der Vorstandssitzung war die Besetzung des neuen Marketing-Postens.
The most important personnel matter at the board meeting was filling the new marketing position.
The word belongs to the word family of 'Person' (person) and 'Personal' (staff/personnel). This helps you understand the two meanings: personal data (person) and a matter concerning staff (personnel).
Bitte füllen Sie das Formular mit Ihren persönlichen Daten aus.
Please fill out the form with your personal data.
The meaning changes completely with the number. In the plural ('die Personalien'), it always means personal details. In the singular ('die Personalie'), it always refers to a personnel decision in a company or organization.
Der Polizist notierte die Personalien des Fahrers.
The police officer noted down the driver's personal details.
In the plural, the word is often used with verbs such as 'aufnehmen' (to record), 'feststellen' (to establish/identify), or 'angeben' (to provide). This typically happens in official situations, e.g. with the police or government authorities.
Bei der Anmeldung im Hotel müssen Sie Ihre Personalien angeben.
When checking in at the hotel, you have to provide your personal details.
The singular form 'die Personalie' belongs to administrative and business language. You often hear or read it in news about politics or large companies.
In der Presse wurde viel über diese Personalie diskutiert.
This personnel matter was discussed a lot in the press.
