Vorgesetzter

superior

noun FOR-ge-zets-ter Rare

Also means

boss

Usage Note

Vorgesetzter is an adjectival noun meaning one's superior in a hierarchy, declined accordingly: mein Vorgesetzter, eine Vorgesetzte. More neutral and formal than Chef, it is the standard term in HR and legal contexts. The feminine Vorgesetzte follows the same adjective pattern.

Examples

"Sie sprach das Problem mit ihrem Vorgesetzten an."

Natural Translation

She raised the problem with her superior.

Literal Translation

She raised the problem with her superior on.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Colors: Names, Shades, and Idioms

German colors are adjectives that take endings — say das rote Auto, not das rot Auto. Get the names, shades, the das-Rot rule, and 14 color idioms.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Two-Way Prepositions: Accusative or Dative?

Use accusative for movement into a place (wohin?) and dative for a fixed location (wo?). Master all nine German two-way prepositions with one simple test.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Modal Particles: doch, mal, ja, eben

German modal particles doch, mal, ja, and eben add attitude, not meaning. Before/after examples show how to use each one so your German stops sounding stiff.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Greetings by Region: Grüß Gott to Grüezi

German greetings change by region: say Moin in Hamburg, Grüß Gott in Bavaria, Grüezi in Switzerland. A map of every hello and goodbye, plus du vs. Sie.

June 5, 2026 6 min read