Beauftragte

Beauftragte is a German term used to refer to a person who has been commissioned to perform tasks on behalf of another person or entity. It derives from the verb beauftragen, to commission or entrust. The word is gendered in German: Beauftragter (male), Beauftragte (female) and Beauftragte as plural. In everyday and professional language, the term describes someone given a specific mandate, authority within defined limits, and a duty to report back to the principal.

Legal and organizational contexts distinguish Beauftragte from general representatives. A Beauftragte is typically appointed for a particular task or project and operates under a defined scope (Beauftragung). This is different from a Vollmacht or Bevollmächtigung, which grants broader authority to act in legal matters for the principal. Beauftragte may be employees, external consultants, or officers of an institution. Their obligations include adhering to instructions, acting in the principal's best interests, and reporting outcomes and any issues encountered. Beauftragte should not be confused with a person who holds a broad power of attorney, which confers wider legal representation.

Common uses include roles such as the Datenschutzbeauftragte (data protection officer), compliance officers, or project Beauftragte in companies, as well as official positions like Bundesbeauftragte in government contexts. The exact duties and liability depend on the appointment terms and applicable law. The term emphasizes entrusted responsibility rather than automatic representation, making the boundary between tasks assigned and independent action within or beyond the defined mandate.