investigative committee
Loading your saved state.
investigative committee
A body, usually a parliamentary committee, that is set up to clarify a specific matter of public interest. It often involves possible misconduct by members of the government or authorities.
Ein Untersuchungsausschuss soll die Vorgänge im Ministerium aufklären.
An investigative committee is supposed to clarify the events in the ministry.
This long word is easy to understand if you break it down: it consists of 'Untersuchung' (investigation) and 'Ausschuss' (committee). The '-s-' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two words. So it is literally a committee for an investigation.
Der Untersuchungsausschuss befragt heute die ersten Zeugen.
The investigative committee is questioning the first witnesses today.
An 'Untersuchungsausschuss' (investigative committee) is often 'eingesetzt' (appointed), 'eingerichtet' (established), or 'gefordert' (demanded) by the opposition. Its task is to 'aufklären' (clarify) or 'untersuchen' (investigate) a matter.
Die Opposition fordert, einen Untersuchungsausschuss einzusetzen.
The opposition is demanding that an investigative committee be appointed.
This word belongs to formal language and is mainly used in the areas of politics, law, and journalism. It occurs rarely in everyday speech.
Die Ergebnisse des Untersuchungsausschusses werden nächste Woche veröffentlicht.
The results of the investigative committee will be published next week.
commission
'die Kommission' and 'der Untersuchungsausschuss' can both mean an official group of people. The difference lies in the task and the context. A 'Kommission' can have many tasks, for example advising, reviewing, or preparing rules. An 'Untersuchungsausschuss' is more specific: it is meant to clarify a particular case, often in politics and where there is public interest. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like official bodies. When you are talking generally about an appointed group, 'Kommission' fits. When a political or public matter is being investigated, 'Untersuchungsausschuss' is more precise.
Nach dem Skandal setzt das Parlament einen Untersuchungsausschuss ein.
After the scandal, parliament sets up an investigative committee.
Die Kommission prüft die neuen Regeln für den öffentlichen Verkehr.
The commission is reviewing the new rules for public transport.