01
der Direktor
principal
The person who runs a school.
example
Der Direktor hat heute Morgen eine Durchsage für alle Klassen gemacht.
The principal made an announcement for all classes this morning.
der Direktor
director / principal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word belongs to the word family around 'dirigieren' (to direct, to lead). Also related is 'die Direktion' (management/administration), which can refer both to the management level and to the director's or principal's office.
EXAMPLE
Bitte melde dich morgen in der Direktion.
Please report to the principal's office tomorrow.
Sentence structure: genitive
To specify what a person leads, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). For example: 'der Direktor der Schule' (the principal of the school) or 'der Direktor des Museums' (the director of the museum).
EXAMPLE
Der Direktor der Bank hielt eine Rede.
The director of the bank gave a speech.
Typical collocations
In a school context, the phrasing 'zum Direktor müssen' (to have to go to the principal) or 'vom Direktor gerufen werden' (to be called by the principal) is very common. It usually means that a student has caused trouble.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du dich weiter so benimmst, musst du zum Direktor!
If you keep behaving like that, you'll have to go to the principal!
Compare with
Direktor vs Präsident
president
'der Präsident' and 'der Direktor' can both mean a leading person in an institution. However, they are different titles and do not fit everywhere. 'der Direktor' is often used for the head of a school, museum, or theater, or for a high-ranking position in a government office or company. 'der Präsident' sounds more official and is more likely to fit certain organizations, universities, associations, or other large institutions. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to a person at the top. What usually matters is which title is customary in the particular institution.
Direktor
Am Morgen hat sie einen Termin beim Direktor der Schule.
In the morning, she has an appointment with the school principal.
Präsident
Sie wurde Präsidentin des Verbandes, weil viele Mitglieder ihr vertrauten.
She became president of the association because many members trusted her.
In real life
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