die  Entsendung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛntˈzɛndʊŋ/

📜 What exactly does "die Entsendung" mean?

Die Entsendung (feminine, plural: die Entsendungen) describes the process by which a person or group of people is officially sent to another location to perform a specific task, assignment, or mission there. It's usually a formal act.

Typical contexts include:

• Professional: An employee is entsandt (*sent/posted*) by their company to a foreign country or another location for a specific period (Auslandsentsendung - foreign posting, Mitarbeiterentsendung - employee secondment).
• Diplomatic: The Entsendung (*dispatch*) of ambassadors or diplomats to other countries.
• Military: The Entsendung (*deployment*) of soldiers to an operational area (Truppenentsendung - troop deployment).
• Organizations: The Entsendung (*sending*) of delegates to a conference.

The word emphasizes the act of sending by an authorized body for a specific purpose. Common English translations are *posting, secondment, dispatch,* or *deployment*, depending on the context.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar & Declension of Entsendung

"Entsendung" is a feminine noun. Like most nouns ending in -ung, it is feminine and takes the article "die". It follows the weak declension pattern for feminine nouns.

Declension Table

Example Sentences 📝

1. Die Entsendung des Experten nach Japan wurde genehmigt.
   (The expert's posting to Japan was approved.)
2. Während der Entsendung gelten besondere vertragliche Regelungen.
   (During the secondment, special contractual regulations apply.)
3. Die Firma plant mehrere Entsendungen im nächsten Quartal.
   (The company is planning several postings/secondments next quarter.)
4. Die Kosten für die Entsendungen sind im Budget berücksichtigt.
   (The costs for the postings/secondments are included in the budget.)

💡 How is "Entsendung" used?

"Entsendung" is primarily used in formal language, especially in the fields of:

• Labor law and human resources: In connection with the temporary relocation of employees (Mitarbeiterentsendung - employee secondment, Auslandsentsendung - foreign posting). There are often specific laws and regulations governing this (e.g., Entsendegesetz - Posted Workers Act).
• Diplomacy and politics: When referring to the sending of official representatives (Entsendung von Delegationen, Botschaftern - sending of delegations, ambassadors).
• Military and security: Describing the deployment of troops or personnel to operational areas.

Distinction from similar words:

• Sendung: General term for something sent (parcel, letter) or a broadcast (radio/TV show). Not used for people in an official context.
• Abordnung: Similar, but often refers to a group (delegation) sent for a specific purpose.
• Versetzung: Usually refers to a permanent transfer of the workplace, whereas an Entsendung is often temporary.

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse "Entsendung" with a simple Dienstreise (business trip), which is usually shorter and less formally regulated.

🧠 Mnemonics for Entsendung

Article Mnemonic (die): Almost all German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine. Think of "die Übung" (the practice), "die Meinung" (the opinion), "die Sendung" (the shipment/broadcast) – and therefore also "die Entsendung". Easy peasy!

Meaning Mnemonic: The prefix "ent-" often means "away" or "removal" (like in entfernen - to remove, entkommen - to escape). An Ent-Sendung is when someone is sent away, often far away (entfernt) for a task.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Potential for Confusion:

• Sendung: Has nothing to do with officially sending people; refers to shipments or broadcasts.
• Dienstreise: (business trip) Usually shorter and less formal than an Entsendung.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Mitarbeiter: "Sind Sie bereit für die Entsendung nach Sibirien?"
Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Klar, Chef! Aber warum gerade ich?"
Chef: "Sie sind der Einzige, der bei der letzten Weihnachtsfeier einen Pelzmantel gewonnen hat!" 🥶

Translation:
The boss asks the employee: "Are you ready for the posting to Siberia?"
The employee says: "Sure, boss! But why me?"
Boss: "You're the only one who won a fur coat at the last Christmas party!" 🥶

✒️ Poem about Entsendung

Ein Auftrag ruft, die Koffer steh'n bereit,
Die Entsendung beginnt, für eine Zeit.
Verlässt das Heim, den wohlbekannten Ort,
Trägt Pflicht und Hoffnung mit sich fort.
Ein neuer Posten, fern und unbekannt,
Vom Chef, vom Staat, ins weite Land gesandt.

Translation:
A mission calls, the suitcases stand ready,
The posting begins, for a time steady.
Leaving home, the familiar place,
Carrying duty and hope with grace.
A new position, distant and unknown,
By boss, by state, to far lands flown.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Akt, oft sehr formal,
Schick Menschen weg, manchmal global.
Für Arbeit, Staat, mit Plan und Frist,
Sag, wie dieser Vorgang ist?

(I am an act, often very formal,
I send people away, sometimes global.
For work, for state, with plan and deadline set,
Tell me, what is this process, you bet?)

Lösung/Solution: die Entsendung

🧩 Word Composition & More

Word Formation:

The word "Entsendung" is a noun derived from the verb "entsenden" (to send away, dispatch, deploy). It is composed of:

• Prefix ent-: This prefix can have various meanings; here it signifies "away" or "forth" (as in entfernen - to remove).
• Stem verb senden: Means "to send".
• Suffix -ung: Used to form nouns from verbs, usually denoting the process or result of the action. Nouns ending in -ung are feminine.

So: ent + senden + ung = The process of sending away/dispatching.

Legal Aspect: In Germany and the EU, specific laws (like the Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetz - Posted Workers Act) regulate the rights and obligations of employees and employers during an Entsendung, especially concerning cross-border activities.