Stellvertretend

Stellvertretend is a German term used as an adverb and as an adjective meaning acting in the place of someone else or representing that person, either in an official capacity or as a substitute. It denotes substitution, delegation of authority, or speaking on behalf of another. Commonly used with the preposition für: stellvertretend für jemanden, for example, "Er sprach stellvertretend für den Abteilungsleiter." It is also used attributively to describe a person who serves as a substitute, e.g., "die stellvertretende Vorsitzende." The noun form Stellvertretung refers to the act or process of substitution, or the position of a substitute; "Stellvertreter" denotes the substitute person.

Etymology: derived from Stellvertreter (substitute/representative) and the verb phrase forming a participle adjective, historically linked to "stellen" (to place/appoint) and "Vertreter" (representative). The term is used in formal, administrative, legal, and organizational contexts.

Usage notes: The phrase "stellvertretend für" is common in official statements, press releases, and meetings, where someone speaks or acts on behalf of another. In contrast to "Stellvertreter" or "Stellvertretung," which emphasize the role or act, "stellvertretend" focuses on the act of representation itself. In corporate contexts, you may see "stellvertretender Vorstandsvorsitzender" (deputy CEO) or "stellvertretende Abteilungsleiterin" (deputy department head).

See also: Stellvertreter, Stellvertretung, Vertretung.