German Conversation · Level 143
30 words
German word
kommissarisch
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔmɪˈsaːʁɪʃ/
Meaning
- adjectiveacting
Example
Er ist kommissarischer Vorsitzender des Vereins.
He is the acting chairman of the association.
More examples
Er musste kommissarisch die Leitung übernehmen, bis ein neuer Direktor gefunden war.
He had to take over leadership on an interim basis until a new director was found.
Core concept
An interim officeholder keeps an organization running while the permanent appointment is still pending.
Common phrases
in kommissarischer Funktion
in an acting capacity
kommissarisch die Leitung übernehmen
take over leadership on an interim basis
Similar words
stellvertretend: Representing another person by taking on their role or authority.
vorläufig: Temporary while the final status or decision remains unsettled.
provisorisch: Used temporarily to bridge a gap until a lasting solution is available.
interimistisch: Established for a limited time to cover a role or address an immediate need.
Definition in German
Als Vertreter für eine begrenzte Zeit eine Funktion ausüben, ohne endgültige Ernennung.
Word origin
Kommissarisch derives from Kommissar, a German noun borrowed through French from Latin commissarius, and its -isch ending forms the related adjective.
Usage tips
- Kommissarisch is mainly administrative and applies to offices or roles, so it is not the usual word for every temporary object or arrangement.