Polier

construction foreman

noun po-LEER Rare

Origin: from French 'parlier' (spokesperson on site).

Also means

site supervisor

Usage Note

Polier is the working foreman on a German construction site, directly supervising labourers and tradespeople. It is a recognised qualification (Geprüfter Polier) requiring journeyman experience; a key figure in the building hierarchy.

Examples

"Der Polier wies die Maurer an, die Fundamentplatten zu schalen."

Natural Translation

The foreman instructed the bricklayers to form the foundation slabs.

Literal Translation

The foreman instructed the bricklayers to shutter the foundation-slabs.

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