Stellvertreter
/ˈʃtɛlfərˌtreːtər/masculine
The English word 'deputy' is translated into German as Stellvertreter.
Stellvertreter is used to describe a representative or someone acting on behalf of a specific person.
Meaning: representative (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Stellvertreter implies someone acting on behalf of a specific person, the term Vertreter is a more general word for a representative or agent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun Stellvertreter remains the same in its plural form to mean 'deputies'. To refer specifically to a female deputy, use the feminine form Stellvertreterin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtɛlfərˌtreːtər/
Did you know?
- While Stellvertreter means 'deputy', the verb vertreten also means 'to trample'. Depending on the context, saying you are 'representing' someone could sound like you are stepping on them.
- The concept of Stellvertretung (substitution) is so ingrained in German professional culture that many offices have a formal Stellvertretungsregelung document listing who covers for whom.
- In religious contexts, particularly within the Catholic Church, the Pope is seen as the Stellvertreter of Christ on Earth.
Examples in context
- Ich bin dein Stellvertreter.I'm your deputy.The first sentence shows how to state that you are someone's Stellvertreter.Tatoeba #10520800 by Yorwba, translation #3374193 by CK
- Er wird mein Stellvertreter sein, während ich weg bin.He will be my deputy while I am away.The second sentence illustrates using Stellvertreter to describe someone acting as a deputy during an absence.Tatoeba #1521381 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #247059 by CM
- Der Stellvertreter wird die Präsentation halten.The deputy will give the presentation.
- Frau Schmidt ist die Vizepräsidentin der Firma.Ms. Schmidt is the deputy president of the company.
- Wir haben einen neuen stellvertretenden Leiter der Abteilung.We have a new deputy head of the department.
- Der Vertreter des Ministers wird morgen an der Konferenz teilnehmen.The deputy of the minister will attend the conference tomorrow.
- Der Vizepräsident hat gestern eine wichtige Entscheidung getroffen.The deputy president made an important decision yesterday.
- Die Stellvertreterin des Bürgermeisters ist eine gute Rednerin.The deputy of the mayor is a good speaker.
- Ist der Vertreter schon im Büro?Is the deputy already in the office?
- Der Stellvertreter hat die Besprechung geleitet.The deputy led the meeting.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing office roles.
- LauraBrauchen wir heute einen Stellvertreter?Do we need a deputy today?
- JulianJa, ich übernehme das als dein Stellvertreter.Yes, I will do that as your deputy.
- LauraDas ist sehr hilfreich, Julian.That is very helpful, Julian.
- JulianKein Problem, Laura!No problem, Laura!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deputy” translations and entries Stellvertreter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
