presentation / department
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presentation
An oral presentation on a specific topic, often given at school, at university, or at a conference. A written paper or write-up is often also part of it.
Morgen muss ich mein Referat über die globale Erwärmung halten.
Tomorrow I have to give my presentation on global warming.
department / unit
A department or area of responsibility within a government agency, ministry, or large organization.
Er leitet das Referat für internationale Zusammenarbeit im Außenministerium.
He heads the department for international cooperation at the Foreign Ministry.
The noun 'das Referat' is closely connected with the verb 'referieren' (to give a presentation/report). When you give a 'Referat' (presentation), you 'referieren' on a topic.
Sie wird morgen im Seminar über ihre Ergebnisse referieren.
Tomorrow in the seminar, she will present on her results.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In a school or university setting, 'Referat' means a presentation. In a government agency or ministry, it refers to a department or unit.
Der Student bereitete sein Referat für den nächsten Tag vor.
The student prepared his presentation for the next day.
When it refers to a presentation, the most common verbs are 'ein Referat halten' (to give a presentation), 'vorbereiten' (to prepare), or 'ausarbeiten' (to work out/write up). The topic is introduced with the preposition 'über' and the accusative.
Ich bin nervös, weil ich gleich mein Referat halten muss.
I'm nervous because I have to give my presentation in a moment.
When a department is meant, the verb 'leiten' (to head/manage) is often used, or the preposition 'in' as in 'in einem Referat arbeiten' (to work in a department). The area of responsibility is often indicated with 'für' (for).
Er leitet seit fünf Jahren das Referat für Bauplanung.
He has headed the department for construction planning for five years.
speech / talk
A Rede and a Referat are both prepared spoken contributions presented to an audience. Referat refers especially to a factual presentation at school, university, or a conference, while Rede is more general. Referat is therefore appropriate for a presentation in class, while Rede is more likely for a public occasion.
Die Schülerin hielt im Unterricht ein Referat über das Thema.
The student gave a presentation on the topic in class.
Die Schulleiterin hielt bei der Feier eine Rede.
The principal gave a speech at the celebration.
