Gesandter

Gesandter is the German term for an envoy or emissary. The word derives from senden, to send, and historically designated a diplomatic representative sent by a state or ruler to another state or ruler. In German-speaking diplomacy, a Gesandter typically headed a legation and acted as the representative of the sending power, with authority to negotiate on its behalf; a higher rank was Botschafter, who led an embassy.

Historically, the rank of Gesandter existed in various forms, including Ausserordentlicher Gesandter (extraordinary envoy) and Gesandter mit besonderen Vollmachten, and the corresponding mission was the Legation. The distinction between Gesandter and Botschafter reflected differences in plenipotentiary powers and symbolic status within the court or state.

In modern times the term is largely historical in diplomacy. Today the usual head of a diplomatic mission is a Botschafter, while Gesandter may still appear in historical accounts or in specific contexts where a non-ambassador envoy is appointed, or in certain international organizations or religious contexts where non-ambassador envoys exist.