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.
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.
boss
'der Chef' and 'der Patron' can both refer to a person who runs a business. 'der Chef' is general and fits almost any work setting. 'der Patron' is used more for the owner or manager of a restaurant, hotel, or small business. The word can also have a paternal or authoritarian feel. Learners may confuse the words because 'Patron' can seem like 'Chef' in some situations. In normal professional everyday language, 'Chef' is safer. 'Patron' only fits in certain contexts and sounds more distinctive.
Im kleinen Hotel begrüßt der Patron die Gäste jeden Abend persönlich.
In the small hotel, the proprietor personally greets the guests every evening.
Sie gibt dem Chef heute die Rechnung für das neue Material.
She is giving the boss the invoice for the new materials today.