proprietor / patron
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proprietor
The owner or boss of a business, especially in the restaurant or hotel industry. The term can describe a paternal, but also authoritarian, leadership figure.
Der Patron des Restaurants begrüßt seine Stammgäste immer persönlich.
The proprietor of the restaurant always greets his regular guests personally.
patron saint
A patron saint; a saint who is regarded as the special protector of a person, place, group, or activity.
Der heilige Florian ist der Patron der Feuerwehr.
Saint Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.
patron
An influential or wealthy person who supports an artist, institution, or project financially or morally; a benefactor.
Ohne die großzügige Unterstützung seines Patrons hätte der junge Maler nicht überleben können.
Without the generous support of his patron, the young painter would not have been able to survive.
Careful: 'der Patron' is not the same as the English word 'patron.' In German, the Patron is the owner or boss (e.g., of a restaurant), not the guest or customer. A guest in a restaurant is 'der Gast' (the guest).
Der Patron kam an unseren Tisch und fragte, ob alles in Ordnung sei.
The proprietor came to our table and asked whether everything was all right.
The word comes from the Latin 'pater' (father). The idea of a protective, paternal figure connects all meanings: the 'father' of the business (boss), the heavenly protector (patron saint), and the financial supporter (patron).
Er handelte wie ein echter Patron für seine Mitarbeiter.
He acted like a true patron toward his employees.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In the restaurant and hospitality industry, it means the boss. In a religious context, in connection with 'heilig' (saint/holy), it means the patron saint. In the field of art and culture, it means the supporter or benefactor.
Der Patron dieses Weinguts ist für seine exzellenten Weine bekannt.
The proprietor of this winery is known for his excellent wines.
In the meaning of 'Chef' (boss), 'Patron' often has a traditional, sometimes patriarchal undertone. It describes an owner who runs his business with strong personal authority.
In dem Familienbetrieb hat der Patron immer das letzte Wort.
In the family business, the proprietor always has the final say.
As a patron saint, 'Patron' is usually used with the genitive or the preposition 'von' + dative to indicate whom or what he protects.
Der heilige Nikolaus ist der Patron der Seefahrer.
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors.
patron / benefactor
A Gönner and a Patron can be people who financially support another person or a project without expecting anything directly in return. Gönner tends to emphasize personal, benevolent support, while Patron focuses more on the role of a sponsor supporting a project or institution. Patron is often the better choice for cultural support in an institutional setting.
Der Patron unterstützte das Museum über viele Jahre mit großen Spenden.
The patron supported the museum with large donations for many years.
Ein großzügiger Gönner finanzierte der jungen Künstlerin ihr Atelier.
A generous benefactor financed a studio for the young artist.
