state secretary
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state secretary
A high-ranking female civil servant or politician who stands directly below the minister in a ministry's hierarchy and supports or represents him or her.
Die Staatssekretärin im Außenministerium reiste zu den Verhandlungen nach Brüssel.
The state secretary in the Foreign Ministry traveled to Brussels for the negotiations.
The word is composed of three parts: 'der Staat' (state), the linking -s, and 'die Sekretärin' (secretary). It literally refers to a secretary in the service of the state, but it has a much higher-ranking meaning.
Die neue Staatssekretärin hat heute ihre Arbeit im Ministerium aufgenommen.
The new state secretary began her work in the ministry today.
A 'Staatssekretärin' (state secretary) is a high-ranking female political civil servant or politician. She works in a ministry and is positioned directly below the minister in the hierarchy.
Die Staatssekretärin vertrat den Minister bei der wichtigen Konferenz.
The state secretary represented the minister at the important conference.
To specify the area of responsibility, the title is often connected with the relevant ministry. For example, people say 'Staatssekretärin im Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft' (state secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs).
Sie wurde zur parlamentarischen Staatssekretärin im Familienministerium ernannt.
She was appointed parliamentary state secretary in the Family Ministry.
minister
Both women can be publicly responsible for the work of a ministry or a political department. A Ministerin heads the ministry, while a Staatssekretärin ranks below her in the hierarchy and supports or represents her there. When the focus is on leading the department, Ministerin is the better choice.
Die Staatssekretärin stellte heute den neuen Plan im Auftrag der Ministerin vor.
The state secretary presented the new plan today on behalf of the minister.
Die Ministerin stellte heute den neuen Plan für ihr Ministerium vor.
The minister presented the new plan for her ministry today.
