German word

stellvertretend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtɛlfɛɐ̯ˌtʁeːtn̩t/

Meaning

  • adverbon behalf of ___

Example

Sie nahm stellvertretend den Preis entgegen.

She accepted the award on behalf of someone else.

Illustration for stellvertretend (on behalf of ___)

More examples

Sie handelte stellvertretend an seiner Stelle.

She acted in his stead.

Core concept

A person steps into another person's place to perform a role or receive something for them.

Common phrases

  • stellvertretend für das Team sprechen

    speak for ___

  • stellvertretend an seiner Stelle handeln

    act in his stead

Similar words

vertretungsweise: For a limited time, performing another person's duties as their stand-in.
ersatzweise: In place of the original person or thing when it cannot be used or is absent.

Definition in German

vorübergehend die Aufgabe oder Funktion einer anderen Person übernehmend.

Word origin

Stellvertretend is formed from the verb stellvertreten, combining stellen, 'to place', with vertreten, 'to represent or act for'.

Usage tips

  • With a person, stellvertretend für takes für followed by the accusative, as in stellvertretend für den Direktor.

Other meanings

  • as a substituteadverb
  • insteadadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word