deputy / representative
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deputy / acting
Acting in place of another person or speaking for them; as a substitute or representative.
Da der Chef krank ist, wird die stellvertretende Direktorin die Sitzung leiten.
Since the boss is sick, the deputy director will lead the meeting.
representative
Standing as a typical example for an entire group or category; exemplary.
Stellvertretend für alle Helfer möchte ich heute Frau Meier für ihren unermüdlichen Einsatz danken.
On behalf of all the helpers, I would like to thank Ms. Meier today for her tireless commitment.
The word is made up of 'Stelle' (place/position) and 'vertreten' (to represent/substitute for). It literally means that someone takes another person's place and acts for them.
Er unterschrieb den Vertrag stellvertretend für seine Chefin.
He signed the contract on behalf of his boss.
In the meaning 'in a substitute capacity', 'stellvertretend' is often used as part of an official job title. It then stands directly before the title, for example 'der stellvertretende Geschäftsführer' (the deputy managing director).
Die stellvertretende Schulleiterin begrüßte die neuen Schüler.
The deputy principal welcomed the new students.
In the meaning 'as an example', 'stellvertretend' often appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by the preposition 'für' (for). This construction is frequently used in speeches or expressions of thanks to highlight one person from a group.
Stellvertretend für das gesamte Team nehme ich diesen Preis entgegen.
On behalf of the entire team, I accept this award.
representative
“Stellvertretend” can allow one person or one case to stand as an example for a group. “Repräsentativ,” by contrast, describes a selection that reflects the characteristics of the whole group as closely as possible. “Stellvertretend” fits a typical individual case, while “repräsentativ” fits a selected group or study.
Diese Teilnehmerin steht stellvertretend für viele junge Menschen in der Stadt.
This participant stands as a representative of many young people in the city.
Die Studie befragte eine repräsentative Auswahl junger Menschen aus der Stadt.
The study surveyed a representative sample of young people from the city.
