secretary / writing desk
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secretary
A male person whose job is to carry out administrative and organizational tasks for a person or a department, such as correspondence, scheduling, and record-keeping.
Der Abteilungsleiter hat seinen Sekretär gebeten, das Meeting zu protokollieren.
The department head asked his secretary to take the minutes of the meeting.
writing desk
A piece of furniture that serves as a desk and usually has a fold-down writing surface as well as several drawers and compartments.
In dem antiken Sekretär aus dem 18. Jahrhundert bewahrte sie ihre wichtigsten Dokumente auf.
She kept her most important documents in the antique writing desk from the 18th century.
secretary
A high official title in political parties, associations, or government institutions, for example as secretary-general or state secretary.
Der Generalsekretär der Vereinten Nationen rief zu Friedensverhandlungen auf.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations called for peace negotiations.
The English word 'secretary' refers only to a person. The German word 'der Sekretär' can also be a piece of furniture: a writing desk with compartments.
Mein Urgroßvater hat diesen alten Sekretär selbst gebaut.
My great-grandfather built this old writing desk himself.
You can tell whether a person or a piece of furniture is meant from the verb. Actions like 'einstellen' (to hire), 'anrufen' (to call), or 'fragen' (to ask) refer to the person. Descriptions like 'antik sein' (to be antique), 'im Zimmer stehen' (to stand in the room), or 'aus Holz sein' (to be made of wood) refer to the piece of furniture.
Könnten Sie bitte Ihren Sekretär fragen, wann er Zeit für mich hat?
Could you please ask your secretary when he has time for me?
In politics and large organizations, 'Sekretär' (secretary) is often part of a fixed official title. The best-known examples are 'der Generalsekretär' (secretary-general) and 'der Staatssekretär' (state secretary).
Der Staatssekretär nahm an der internationalen Konferenz teil.
The state secretary took part in the international conference.
When referring to the person, the word is often connected with typical office activities. Common verbs are 'Termine vereinbaren' (to schedule appointments), 'die Korrespondenz erledigen' (to handle correspondence), or 'Anrufe entgegennehmen' (to take calls).
Der Sekretär hat für nächste Woche einen Termin mit dem Kunden vereinbart.
The secretary scheduled an appointment with the customer for next week.
secretary / minute-taker
A Sekretär handles general administrative and organizational tasks. A Schriftführer, by contrast, is specifically responsible for minutes and written records. In a club, Schriftführer is appropriate for this clearly defined task, while Sekretär refers to a broader administrative role.
Der Sekretär des Vereins beantwortet die Post und organisiert die Termine.
The club secretary answers the mail and organizes the appointments.
Der Schriftführer des Vereins hält die Beschlüsse der Sitzung im Protokoll fest.
The club's minute-taker records the decisions made at the meeting in the minutes.
