German word

Stellvertreter

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtɛlfɛɐ̯ˌtʁeːtɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounrepresentative

Example

Der Stellvertreter des Direktors beantwortet das Telefon.

The director's representative answers the phone.

Illustration for Stellvertreter (representative)

More examples

Er musste als Stellvertreter einspringen, weil sein Kollege krank war.

He had to step in as a substitute because his colleague was ill.

Core concept

A backup office-holder who can step into the named person's role when needed.

Common phrases

  • als Stellvertreter einspringen

    step in as a substitute

  • zum Stellvertreter ernennen

    appoint as a deputy

Similar words

Vertreter: A representative who handles external dealings or negotiations for a person or organization.
Beauftragter: A person commissioned to take responsibility for a specific task or assignment.
Assistent: A support worker who helps with routine duties under direction.

Definition in German

Stellvertreter bezeichnet eine Person, die dauerhaft oder zeitweise die Vertretung einer anderen Person in Amt oder Aufgabe übernimmt.

Word origin

German "Stellvertreter" joins "Stell-" from "Stelle" (position or post) with the agent noun "Vertreter", from "vertreten" (to represent).

Usage tips

  • English "substitute" often suggests a short replacement, whereas "Stellvertreter" also commonly denotes an appointed deputy.

Other meanings

  • substitutenoun
  • deputynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word