foreman
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foreman
An experienced worker who guides and supervises a small group of employees, usually in skilled trades, industry, or on a construction site. He is the first level of leadership and often works alongside the others himself.
Der Vorarbeiter auf der Baustelle teilte die Aufgaben für den heutigen Tag ein.
The foreman on the construction site assigned the tasks for today.
The word is made up of the preposition 'vor' (in front of/before) and 'Arbeiter' (worker). A 'Vorarbeiter' (foreman) is therefore literally a worker who stands 'in front of' the others and leads them.
Als neuer Mitarbeiter musst du auf die Anweisungen des Vorarbeiters hören.
As a new employee, you have to listen to the foreman's instructions.
The term 'Vorarbeiter' (foreman) is used almost exclusively in craft/trade or industrial professions. You typically find it on construction sites, in factories, or in workshops, but not in an office.
Der Vorarbeiter in der Werkstatt kontrollierte die Qualität der fertigen Teile.
The foreman in the workshop checked the quality of the finished parts.
A foreman often has specific duties. Typical verbs that describe his role are 'die Mitarbeiter anleiten' (to guide the employees), 'die Arbeit einteilen' (to assign/divide up the work), and 'die Ausführung überwachen' (to supervise the execution).
Der Vorarbeiter teilte die Teams für die verschiedenen Bauabschnitte ein.
The foreman assigned the teams to the different construction sections.
master / champion
Meister and Vorarbeiter can both take on responsibility in a skilled-trades business. Meister here refers to a formal qualification obtained by passing the master craftsman's examination. Vorarbeiter refers to the specific role of leading and supervising a small work group; the person often works alongside the group as well.
Auf der Baustelle teilt der Vorarbeiter seiner kleinen Gruppe die Aufgaben zu und arbeitet mit.
At the construction site, the foreman assigns tasks to his small group and works alongside them.
Nach seiner Meisterprüfung darf der Meister im Betrieb Lehrlinge ausbilden.
After passing the master craftsman's examination, the master craftsman is allowed to train apprentices in the company.
