dignitary
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dignitary
A person who holds a high public, state, or church office and represents it at official occasions. The term emphasizes the honor and prestige associated with the office.
Zum Staatsbankett waren zahlreiche internationale Würdenträger geladen.
Numerous international dignitaries were invited to the state banquet.
The word is made up of 'die Würde' (dignity) and 'der Träger' (bearer/carrier). A 'Würdenträger' (dignitary) is therefore literally a person who 'carries' and represents the dignity of an office.
Der Bürgermeister begrüßte als lokaler Würdenträger die ausländischen Gäste.
As a local dignitary, the mayor welcomed the foreign guests.
'Würdenträger' (dignitary) is often combined with adjectives that specify the person's field. Common examples are 'kirchliche Würdenträger' (church dignitaries), 'politische Würdenträger' (political dignitaries), or 'hohe Würdenträger' (high-ranking dignitaries).
Bei der Zeremonie waren hohe militärische und politische Würdenträger anwesend.
High-ranking military and political dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
This word belongs to a very formal, official register. It is used mainly in reporting on state, diplomatic, or church events.
Die Presse wartete auf die Ankunft der internationalen Würdenträger.
The press waited for the arrival of the international dignitaries.
VIP
'Vip' and 'Würdenträger' can both refer to important people who receive special attention at events. A 'Vip', however, is usually important because of fame, money, or general status and receives advantages for that reason. A 'Würdenträger' (dignitary) holds a high public, state, or church office and often appears at official occasions. The words can be confused because both types of people are treated specially. 'Würdenträger' sounds more formal and fits offices and ceremonies; 'Vip' fits events, media, and special access more.
Mehrere Würdenträger begrüßten den Präsidenten vor dem Rathaus.
Several dignitaries greeted the president in front of the town hall.
Für die Vips waren bei der Preisverleihung Plätze in der ersten Reihe reserviert.
Seats in the front row were reserved for the VIPs at the awards ceremony.