Hans Wang Jun 22, 2011:

saksbehandler/saksbehandling I think how you translate saksbehandler depends on how you translate saksbehandling. I have frequently used "case processing" in cases where a bureaucracy is processing something that was filed with them. If it is a bureaucracy in this instance, then "official in charge of case processing" or "official in charge of processing the case" may work. If it is less formal, then "case worker" or "case officer" may work.

Charles Ek Jun 20, 2011:

Methinks my head doth spinneth now. ;-) "Case worker" works well in some cases involving administration of public benefits and the like, as does "Official (in charge)" in other instances. But I'm going to be a hard case on "Executive Officer".

Per Bergvall Jun 20, 2011:

Methinks thou misseth my point Of course context is essential. The utter lack of context in the source entry is indeed a problem. But without context, the core task is to find a term that expresses 'saksbehandler' in English, which is kind of difficult. Official is a prime candidate, while my personal favourite would be case worker. There is support for this in 'Judging Amy', where case worker is used frequently. Wromg side of the Atlantic, maybe?

Charles Ek Jun 20, 2011:

I will beg to differ. I've seen "saksbehandler" used for someone who answers queries in a customer service center without any actual authority to speak of. I've seen it used for a claims representative at an insurance company. I've seen it used for a civil servant who investigates an official matter and prepares a high level report. How the context wouldn't be essential for translating the term escapes me.

Per Bergvall Jun 20, 2011:

Context isn't essential It would be, if one entertained the concept that for each different context where the term saksbehandler were used, there would be a precise and exact English term. Bad news is, there isn't. Case worker was dismissed in the question, it may well be the best solution. Saksbehandler is someome who handles a matter before him or her, with certain powers of decision, and a clear path of escalation. These powers of decision justify the use of the term official, without suggesting this is the top dog in the hierarchy.

eodd Jun 20, 2011:

Agree with Charles. Also, this has previously been asked here- more than once. Check Proz search terms.

Charles Ek Jun 20, 2011:

Context is essential here The term is used for everything from government officials and civil service employees with varying degrees of authority to customer service representatives in private firms. Without the specific context, it's a sure trap for the unwary translator.