German word

Betriebsrat

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈtʁiːpsˌʁaːt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounworks council

Example

Der Betriebsrat wurde gestern neu gewählt.

The works council was newly elected yesterday.

Illustration for Betriebsrat (works council)

More examples

Die Firma muss mit dem Betriebsrat über die Pläne reden.

The company must talk with the works council about the plans.

Core concept

A team elected by employees sits between the workforce and company management, speaking for workplace concerns.

Common phrases

  • mit dem Betriebsrat sprechen

    speak with the works council

  • dem Betriebsrat angehören

    belong to the works council

  • auf den Betriebsrat hören

    listen to the works council

Similar words

Gewerkschaft: An organization that unites workers to negotiate better pay and working conditions.
Arbeitnehmervertretung: An organization or arrangement for conveying employees' views to the company.
Personalrat: A public-sector staff council dealing with employees' rights and working conditions.
Betriebsleitung: Company managers responsible for daily operations and policy decisions.

Definition in German

Ein von den Beschäftigten gewähltes Organ im Betrieb, das ihre Interessen gegenüber der Geschäftsführung vertritt.

Word origin

Betriebsrat combines Betrieb, meaning workplace or enterprise, with Rat, meaning council, forming a German compound for a workplace council.

Usage tips

  • Betriebsrat names the collective body, while an individual member is a Betriebsratsmitglied.

Other meanings

  • employee representativenoun
  • workplace committeenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Betriebsratsvorsitzworks council chairmanshipnoun
  • Betriebsratsarbeitworks council worknoun

Word lists with this word