der Maestro
maestro
An honorific form of address or term for an outstanding conductor, composer, or musician, especially in classical music.
EXAMPLE
Das Orchester wartete auf den Einsatz des Maestros.
The orchestra waited for the maestro's cue.
der Maestro
maestro
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Maestro
maestro
In a figurative sense, a person who is a recognized master in a particular field and has exceptional skills.
EXAMPLE
Am Grill ist mein Vater der unbestrittene Maestro.
At the grill, my father is the undisputed maestro.
Usage tips
Origin and register
'Maestro' is an Italian word meaning 'master.' In German, it is used as an honorary title to express great respect and admiration.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Pianist wurde von der Presse bereits als zukünftiger Maestro gefeiert.
The young pianist was already being celebrated by the press as a future maestro.
Direct address
The word can be used as a direct form of address for a conductor or an outstanding musician. This is a very respectful form.
EXAMPLE
„Maestro, das Orchester ist bereit“, sagte der Konzertmeister.
'Maestro, the orchestra is ready,' said the concertmaster.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'Maestro' is often used slightly ironically or humorously for someone who has perfectly mastered an everyday activity.
EXAMPLE
Wenn es ums Kochen von Pasta geht, ist er der absolute Maestro.
When it comes to cooking pasta, he is the absolute maestro.
Typical context
The original meaning is found almost exclusively in the context of classical music, especially in relation to conductors, composers, and virtuoso soloists.
EXAMPLE
Alle Augen waren auf den Maestro am Dirigentenpult gerichtet.
All eyes were on the maestro at the conductor's podium.
Compare with
Maestro vs Meister
master / champion
Meister and Maestro can both be used as appreciative terms for an outstanding musician. Meister is the general German expression for exceptional skill. Maestro is an Italian-influenced honorific title used especially for important conductors, composers, or classical musicians.
Maestro
Nach dem Konzert begrüßte das Orchester den hervorragenden Dirigenten als Maestro.
After the concert, the orchestra welcomed the outstanding conductor as a maestro.
Meister
Die Kritik bezeichnete den hervorragenden Dirigenten als Meister seines Fachs.
The critics described the outstanding conductor as a master of his field.
In real life
Loading video examples...