der  Generalsekretär

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡeneʁaːlzeˈkʁɛtɛːɐ̯/

📜 What exactly is a Generalsekretär?

Der Generalsekretär is the German term for a Secretary-General or General Secretary. This person holds the highest administrative or executive position within an organization, political party, or association. They are often responsible for management, organization, and coordination of activities.

• Political Parties: Manages the party's operational business.
• International Organizations: Such as the United Nations (UN), where the *Generalsekretär* is the chief administrative officer.
• Associations: Manages the business and represents the association externally.

The female form is die Generalsekretärin.

🚨 Attention: The exact duties and powers can vary significantly depending on the organization.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Generalsekretär

The word "Generalsekretär" is a *masculine noun*. Its article is der.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der Generalsekretär der Vereinten Nationen hält eine Rede.
   (The Secretary-General of the United Nations is giving a speech.)
2. Die Partei wählte einen neuen Generalsekretär.
   (The party elected a new General Secretary.)
3. Wir warten auf die Entscheidung des Generalsekretärs.
   (We are waiting for the decision of the Secretary-General.)
4. Die Aufgaben der Generalsekretäre sind vielfältig.
   (The tasks of the Secretaries-General are diverse.)

🗣️ How to Use "Generalsekretär"?

The term Generalsekretär is primarily used in *formal contexts*, especially in:

• Politics: When describing leadership positions in political parties or international bodies (e.g., NATO, UN).
• Organizations & Associations: For the top administrative leader.
• Media Reporting: When reporting on the areas mentioned above.

In general everyday language, the word is less common. It denotes a specific, high-ranking position.

Distinction: A regular Sekretär or Sekretärin (secretary) usually handles administrative tasks at a lower hierarchical level, whereas the Generalsekretär holds a leadership role.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of DER as in *the* powerful male figure. DER General is in charge – *der Generalsekretär*.

Meaning Mnemonic: A General (leads) + a Sekretär (manages administration) = The Generalsekretär leads the administration.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Related Terms: Generaldirektor (Director General), Vorsitzender (Chairman), Präsident (President), Geschäftsführer (Managing Director/CEO).

😄 A Little Joke

Ein Journalist fragt den Generalsekretär: "Was ist das Geheimnis Ihres Erfolgs?"
Antwortet der Generalsekretär: "Gute Entscheidungen."
Fragt der Journalist weiter: "Und wie treffen Sie gute Entscheidungen?"
Der Generalsekretär: "Durch Erfahrung."
Der Journalist bohrt nach: "Und wie bekommen Sie Erfahrung?"
Der Generalsekretär lächelt: "Durch schlechte Entscheidungen!"

Translation:
A journalist asks the Secretary-General: "What is the secret to your success?"
The Secretary-General replies: "Good decisions."
The journalist asks further: "And how do you make good decisions?"
The Secretary-General: "Through experience."
The journalist probes: "And how do you get experience?"
The Secretary-General smiles: "Through bad decisions!"

✍️ Poem about the Generalsekretär

Der Mann, der die Fäden zieht,
Im Zentrum, wo die Arbeit glüht.
Der Generalsekretär, mit Plan und Sicht,
Lenkt die Geschäfte, hält das Gewicht.
Von Protokoll bis Strategie,
Er führt die Organisation, irgendwie.
Ein Amt mit Macht und viel Applaus,
Bringt Ordnung in das große Haus.

Translation:
The man who pulls the strings,
At the center, where the work sings.
The Secretary-General, with plan and sight,
Directs the business, holds the weight tight.
From protocol to strategy,
He leads the organization, somehow, you see.
An office with power and much applause,
Brings order to the great big cause (house).

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich trage einen Titel, stolz und schwer,
Leite die Verwaltung, bin kein einfacher Herr.
In Parteien, Verbänden, bei der UN bekannt,
Wer führt die Geschäfte im ganzen Land (oder der Welt)?

Lösung/Solution: der Generalsekretär

Translation:
I bear a title, proud and grand,
I lead the administration, not a simple man.
Known in parties, associations, at the UN's command,
Who runs the business throughout the land (or the world)?

ℹ️ More Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Generalsekretär" is a *compound noun*, composed of:

• General: From Latin generalis = "general", "universal". Here used in the sense of "chief", "leading".
• Sekretär: From Middle Latin secretarius = "confidential clerk", "confidant". Refers to a person handling administrative tasks, especially correspondence.

Notable Positions:

• Generalsekretär der Vereinten Nationen (UN Secretary-General)
• Generalsekretär der NATO (NATO Secretary General)
• Generalsekretäre of political parties (e.g., in Germany)