central committee
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central committee
The highest governing body of a communist, socialist, or other centrally organized party between party congresses. It is a specific term from politics, especially from the history of the 20th century.
Das Zentralkomitee der SED traf sich, um über den neuen Fünfjahresplan zu entscheiden.
The Central Committee of the SED met to decide on the new five-year plan.
The word is composed of 'zentral' (central) and 'Komitee' (committee). So it literally describes a committee that has a central or highest function in an organization.
Die Mitglieder des Zentralkomitees wurden auf dem Parteitag gewählt.
The members of the Central Committee were elected at the party congress.
This term is used almost exclusively in the historical and political context of communist or socialist states and parties. It is not used for general governing bodies in companies or associations.
In der Geschichtsstunde analysierten wir die Beschlüsse des Zentralkomitees.
In history class, we analyzed the resolutions of the Central Committee.
Common verbs used with 'Zentralkomitee' (central committee) are 'tagen' (to meet), 'beschließen' (to decide/pass a resolution), and 'auflösen' (to dissolve). People also speak of the 'Mitgliedern' (members) or the 'Beschlüssen' (resolutions) of the Central Committee.
Das Zentralkomitee tagte, um über die politische Lage zu beraten.
The Central Committee met to discuss the political situation.
party leadership
'die Parteiführung' and 'das Zentralkomitee' can both refer to a leading group within a party. The difference lies in the context. 'Parteiführung' is a general word for the people who lead a party. It fits many political parties. 'Zentralkomitee' is much more specific. It is used mainly for communist, socialist, or strongly centrally organized parties, often in historical texts. If you do not mean this exact political body, 'Parteiführung' is usually more natural.
Das Zentralkomitee beschloss auf seiner Sitzung neue Regeln für die Partei.
At its meeting, the central committee decided on new rules for the party.
In der Krise musste die Parteiführung schnell eine gemeinsame Linie finden.
During the crisis, the party leadership had to quickly find a common position.