chief
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chief
The leader of a tribe, clan, or Indigenous community who has political, military, or spiritual authority.
Der Häuptling des Stammes traf alle wichtigen Entscheidungen für seine Gemeinschaft.
The chief of the tribe made all important decisions for his community.
The word 'Häuptling' (chief) is made up of 'Haupt' (head, leader) and the suffix '-ling'. So it literally refers to the person who stands at the top or at the 'Haupt' (head) of a group.
Als Häuptling war er das Haupt seiner Gemeinschaft.
As chief, he was the head of his community.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about Indigenous peoples in a historical or fictional setting, it refers to the leader. In a modern office, the term for the boss is usually ironic.
In dem alten Film rettet der Häuptling sein Dorf.
In the old film, the chief saves his village.
The term 'Häuptling' (chief) is often associated today with historical or fictional portrayals, e.g. in old books and films. In modern, respectful reporting about Indigenous communities, more precise titles are often preferred.
In vielen Abenteuerromanen des 19. Jahrhunderts gibt es einen weisen Häuptling.
In many adventure novels of the 19th century, there is a wise chief.
Using it for a superior is always colloquial and ironic. It can be humorous, but it can also express disrespect, depending on the tone and situation.
Ich muss mal schnell hoch zum Häuptling und die Unterschrift holen.
I need to quickly go upstairs to the boss and get the signature.
boss
'der Chef' and 'der Häuptling' can both mean a leading person, but they fit very different contexts. 'der Chef' is the normal word for a boss or a person with authority. 'der Häuptling' actually means the leader of a tribe or an Indigenous community. Colloquially, 'Häuptling' can also be used ironically for a boss or leader. This is exactly why the words can be confused. In serious professional situations, you should say 'Chef'; outside the tribal context, 'Häuptling' often sounds joking or ironic.
Der Häuptling spricht mit den Ältesten über die Zukunft der Gemeinschaft.
The chief speaks with the elders about the future of the community.
Greta fragt ihren Chef, ob sie den Termin verschieben darf.
Greta asks her boss whether she may postpone the appointment.