boss
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boss
A person who has a leadership position in a company, department, or organization and gives instructions to others; a superior.
Ich muss das mit meinem Chef besprechen, bevor ich eine Zusage mache.
I have to discuss that with my boss before I make a commitment.
boss
Informally, the person who has the leading role or the most authority in a particular situation or area.
Frag Papa, er ist bei uns der Chef, wenn es um den Garten geht.
Ask Dad; he's the boss in our family when it comes to the garden.
Be careful: 'der Chef' (the boss) is not the same as the English word 'chef'! A 'Chef' in German is a superior or boss. A professional cook is 'der Koch' or 'der Küchenchef' in German.
Morgen habe ich ein wichtiges Gespräch mit meinem Chef.
Tomorrow I have an important meeting with my boss.
The word 'Chef-' is often used as the first part of compound nouns to indicate the highest-ranking position. Examples are 'Chefarzt' (chief physician), 'Chefredakteur' (editor-in-chief), or 'Chefsekretärin' (executive secretary).
Der Chefarzt der Klinik wird die Operation persönlich durchführen.
The chief physician of the clinic will perform the operation personally.
In everyday life, 'Chef' (boss) is often used humorously or informally for the person who calls the shots in a private situation. Typical phrases are 'der Chef im Haus' (the boss of the house) or 'der Chef im Ring' (the boss in the ring).
Zuhause ist meine Frau die Chefin, was die Einrichtung angeht.
At home, my wife is the boss when it comes to the furnishings.
leader / conductor
Chef and Leiter can refer to the same person in charge. Leiter emphasizes the formal role and responsibility for a group or department, while Chef emphasizes the personal relationship with a superior and usually sounds less formal.
Im Gespräch frage ich meinen Chef nach einem freien Tag.
During the conversation, I ask my boss for a day off.
Im offiziellen Organigramm steht Herr Weber als Leiter der Abteilung.
In the official organizational chart, Mr. Weber is listed as the head of the department.
