Helyettese

Helyettese is a Hungarian noun meaning a deputy or substitute—the person who takes the place of a superior in an official capacity. The base noun is helyettes, and helyettese is the third-person possessive form meaning “his/her deputy” (as in az ő helyettese). The word derives from hely (place) and a derivational suffix that forms agent nouns for substitutes.

In practice, a helyettes is appointed to carry out the duties of another when the principal is absent, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to perform them. The exact scope of the deputy’s authority is defined by statutes, regulations, or the leader’s organizational rules. Typically a helyettes can perform routine duties, sign documents within a delegated remit, chair meetings, and represent the principal in specified contexts. More sensitive or high-stakes actions may require approval from the principal or a higher authority.

Contexts and usage: the term is common in government ministries, public administration, and organizations, but also in corporate settings and political bodies. In government, related titles include helyettes államtitkár (deputy state secretary) and other deputy roles, depending on the country and institution. The concept likewise appears in legal and administrative texts to indicate succession or delegation of authority.

See also: deputy, acting head, substitute.