herrisch
/ˈhɛʁɪʃ/
The English adjective bossy can be translated into German in several ways depending on the context. The default form is herrisch. Wiktionary also lists rechthaberisch and herrschsüchtig.
Meaning: tending to give orders to others (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| herrisch | /ˈhɛʁɪʃ/ |
| rechthaberisch | /ˈʁɛçtˌhaːbəʁɪʃ/ |
| herrschsüchtig | /ˈhɛʁʃˌzʏçtɪç/ |
In German, the translation of bossy depends on whether you are describing someone's commanding tone, their need to always be right or a pathological desire for power.
What does it mean word for word?
The word herrisch is derived from Herr, which means lord or master and it literally means commanding or master-like.
Which one should you use?
Use herrisch when describing someone who uses an authoritative, commanding tone or acts like a master. Use rechthaberisch when bossy implies a person is a know-it-all who insists they are always right and refuses to back down in an argument. Use herrschsüchtig to describe a more intense, pathological need to dominate or control others.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɛʁɪʃ/
Did you know?
- In German, the word süchtig in herrschsüchtig is the same root used in drogensüchtig for 'drug addicted'.
- In German, being bossy can be described as having a 'Rechthaber' quality, which literally translates to a 'right-holder'.
- Because herrisch shares a root with Herr, calling someone bossy in German subtly evokes the historical social hierarchy of lords and servants.
Examples in context
- Ich bin nicht herrisch!I'm not bossy!This sentence is useful for denying that you are being bossy using herrisch.Tatoeba #3170442 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3170384 by Hybrid
- Tom ist sehr rechthaberisch.Tom is very bossy.This sentence is useful for describing someone as bossy using rechthaberisch.Tatoeba #3420449 by freddy1, translation #3420005 by CK
- Er schien rechthaberisch zu sein.He seemed bossy.This sentence is useful for describing how someone seemed bossy using rechthaberisch.Tatoeba #9985697 by wolfgangth, translation #8479498 by CH
- Die Vorgesetzte ist immer sehr dominant.The boss is always very dominant.
- Er ist ein autoritärer Vorgesetzter.He is an authoritarian boss.
- Sie hat eine herrische Art, alles zu kontrollieren.She has a bossy way of controlling everything.
- Unser Chef kann manchmal ziemlich befehlshaberisch sein.Our boss can be quite bossy sometimes.
- Er ist ein echter Besserwisser und mischt sich in alles ein.He is a real know-it-all and meddles in everything.
- Sie ist ein richtiger Kontrollfreak und lässt niemanden eigenständig arbeiten.She is a real control freak and doesn't let anyone work independently.
- Mein Chef ist sehr dominant und erwartet immer Gehorsam.My boss is very dominant and always expects obedience.
- Warum musst du immer so autoritär sein?Why do you always have to be so authoritarian?
- Mir gefällt seine herrische Art überhaupt nicht.I don't like his bossy demeanor at all.
- Unser Teamleiter kann manchmal echt befehlshaberisch sein.Our team leader can sometimes be really bossy.
- Sie ist ein Kontrollfreak und überprüft ständig unsere Arbeit.She is a control freak and constantly checks our work.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing a coworker at the office.
- HannahUnsere neue Kollegin ist ziemlich herrisch.Our new colleague is quite bossy.
- FelixJa, sie gibt ständig Befehle.Yes, she is constantly giving orders.
- HannahDas macht die Arbeit schwierig.That makes the work difficult.
- FelixIch stimme dir vollkommen zu.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bossy” translations and entries herrisch, rechthaberisch, herrschsüchtig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
