01
der Vorsitz
chairmanship
The position or function of leading a meeting, committee, party, or association.
example
Wer hat heute den Vorsitz bei der Konferenz?
Who is chairing the conference today?
der Vorsitz
chairmanship
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
'Vorsitz' is made up of 'vor' (in front) and 'Sitz' (seat). So it literally describes the position of the person who sits at the front during a meeting and leads it.
EXAMPLE
Der Platz für den Vorsitz blieb heute leer.
The chair's seat remained empty today.
Typical verbs
'Vorsitz' is combined with certain verbs to describe the leadership function. The most common are 'den Vorsitz haben' (to hold the chairmanship), 'den Vorsitz führen' (to chair), and 'den Vorsitz übernehmen' (to take over the chairmanship).
EXAMPLE
Professor Schmidt hat den Vorsitz im Prüfungsausschuss.
Professor Schmidt chairs the examination committee.
Formal preposition
In formal contexts such as minutes or reports, the phrase 'unter dem Vorsitz von' (under the chairmanship of) is often used to name the person leading the meeting.
EXAMPLE
Die Sitzung fand unter dem Vorsitz von Frau Meier statt.
The meeting took place under the chairmanship of Ms. Meier.
Word family
The person who holds the chairmanship is called 'der/die Vorsitzende' (the chairperson). This word is derived directly from 'Vorsitz' (chairmanship).
EXAMPLE
Die Vorsitzende eröffnete die Versammlung um 10 Uhr.
The chairperson opened the meeting at 10 o'clock.
Compare with
Vorsitz vs Führung
leadership / tour / lead
'die Führung' and 'der Vorsitz' both have to do with leading. 'die Führung' is more general and fits a company, a team, or an organization. 'der Vorsitz' is more specific: it means leading a meeting, an association, a party, or a committee. You also say 'den Vorsitz führen' (to chair) when someone leads a meeting or a committee. The words can be confused because both describe a leadership role. When referring to an entire organization, 'Führung' is often more natural. When referring to a meeting or an official committee, 'Vorsitz' is more precise.
Vorsitz
Bei der Sitzung führte Frau Becker den Vorsitz.
Ms. Becker chaired the meeting.
Führung
Die Führung des Vereins plant ein neues Programm für Jugendliche.
The leadership of the association is planning a new program for young people.
In real life
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