der Auftrag, ¨-e

The German word "Auftrag" is a noun meaning "order," "assignment," or "commission."

• It is made of two parts:
  • "auf" (preposition; not considered for meaning here),
  • "Trag" (from the verb "tragen," meaning "to carry").

So "Auftrag" literally implies something to be carried out or delivered – a task given to someone.

Similar words:

• "Bestellung" (order, especially for goods or services),
• "Order" (borrowed from English, usually in business context),
• "Mission" (mission, task with a purpose),
• "Aufgabe" (task, duty).

Differences:

• While "Auftrag" often implies a formal or official order or contract,
• "Bestellung" is commonly used for commercial orders (e.g., in restaurants or shops),
• "Aufgabe" refers more broadly to any kind of task or duty without the aspect of commission,
• "Mission" has a specific connotation of an important or special task, sometimes military or diplomatic.