German Conversation · Level 11
90 words
German word
Chef
Pronunciation
IPA/ʃɛf/
Meaning
- masculine nounboss
Example
Mein Chef ist sehr nett.
My boss is very nice.
More examples
Die Mitarbeiter hören auf den Chef.
The employees listen to the boss.
Core concept
A person standing at the head of a workplace team, making decisions and directing the employees below.
Common phrases
auf den Chef hören
listen to the boss
über den Chef sprechen
talk about the boss
Similar words
Chefin: A female workplace boss who directs and manages employees.
Vorgesetzter: A workplace superior who gives instructions and evaluates employees.
Boss: A casual term for a workplace boss.
Leiter: A person in charge of a department or team who coordinates its work.
Definition in German
Der Vorgesetzte einer Firma oder Abteilung, der Entscheidungen trifft und Mitarbeiter führt.
Word origin
German borrowed Chef from French chef, a word meaning head or leader that ultimately derives from Latin caput, meaning head.
Usage tips
- German Chef normally means a boss, not a professional cook; the usual word for a cook is Koch or Köchin.