head
das Oberhaupt, die Oberhäupter
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head / leader
The person who is at the top of a family, group, tribe, or state and has the highest authority.
Das Familienoberhaupt rief alle zu einer wichtigen Besprechung zusammen.
The head of the family called everyone together for an important meeting.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Oberhäupter |
| genitive | des Oberhaupts |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Oberhaupt | die Oberhäupter |
| accusative | das Oberhaupt | die Oberhäupter |
| dative | dem Oberhaupt | den Oberhäuptern |
| genitive | des Oberhaupts des Oberhauptes | der Oberhäupter |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'ober-' (highest position) and 'das Haupt' (the head). An 'Oberhaupt' is therefore literally the 'top head' of a group, which illustrates its meaning as leader.
Das Oberhaupt des Stammes entscheidet über wichtige Angelegenheiten.
The head of the tribe decides on important matters.
Although an 'Oberhaupt' (head or leader) is usually a person, the article is 'das' (neuter). So it is 'das Oberhaupt', not 'der Oberhaupt', even if the person is a man.
Das neue Oberhaupt der Organisation wurde gestern gewählt.
The new head of the organization was elected yesterday.
'Oberhaupt' (head or leader) is often used as part of longer, more specific words. The most common are 'das Staatsoberhaupt' (head of state: president or monarch) and 'das Familienoberhaupt' (head of the family).
Der Bundespräsident ist das Staatsoberhaupt von Deutschland.
The Federal President is the head of state of Germany.
boss
Both der Chef and das Oberhaupt can refer to a person with considerable authority. Chef usually refers to everyday leadership in a company or organization, while Oberhaupt emphasizes the formal top position in a family, group, or state. For a normal workplace, Chef is therefore usually the better choice.
Das Oberhaupt der Familie begrüßt alle Gäste bei der Feier.
The head of the family welcomes all the guests at the celebration.
Der Chef unseres Betriebs entscheidet über die Aufgaben des Teams.
The boss of our company decides which tasks the team will handle.
