Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | /ˈmɛnɛd͡ʒɐ/ /-nə-/ |
masculine |
| Direktor | /diˈʁɛktoːɐ̯/ | masculine |
| Direktorin | /diʁɛkˈtoːʁɪn/ | feminine |
| Managerin | feminine | |
| Verwalter | /fɛɐ̯ˈvaltɐ/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a person whose job is to manage something. While Manager is common in corporate contexts, other terms are used depending on the specific role or industry.
Which one should you use?
Manager is a general term often used in corporate environments. In contrast, Verwalter refers more specifically to an administrator or steward of property, assets or an estate. For a higher level of authority or a specific leadership role within an institution, you would use Direktor (director).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the phrase der Betriebsleiter is commonly used to refer to a manager or head of operations.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female manager, use the feminine form Managerin. The plural form for female managers is Managerinnen. For the masculine form Manager, the word changes to Managern when used in the dative case, such as after the preposition mit.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɛnɛdʒɐ/
Did you know?
- While Manager is a common corporate term, Germans often use the word Chef to refer to their manager in a more personal or everyday sense.
- The term Direktor is used not only for corporate leaders but also for the head of a school, a role equivalent to a 'principal' in English.
- In German corporate culture, the title Manager is often associated with 'modern' management styles, whereas Verwalter can imply a more passive or bureaucratic approach.
Examples in context
- Wer ist der Manager?Who's the manager?This sentence is useful for asking for the identity of the manager.Tatoeba #12407619 by mayabe, translation #3738390 by CK
- Ich bin kein Manager.I'm not a manager.This sentence is useful for stating that one is not a manager.Tatoeba #10060370 by wolfgangth, translation #2429363 by gone2bacolod
- Rufen Sie den Manager.Call the manager.This sentence is useful for requesting that someone call the manager.Tatoeba #10103532 by wolfgangth, translation #1418629 by Spamster
- Der Manager leitete die Sitzung gekonnt.The manager skillfully led the meeting.
- Der Geschäftsführer präsentierte die Unternehmensstrategie.The managing director presented the company's strategy.
- Der Leiter der Abteilung überwacht die Projekte.The department manager oversees the projects.
- Der Filmregisseur ist der kreative Direktor des Projekts.The film director is the creative manager of the project.
- Haben Sie den Chef heute Morgen gesehen?Did you see the boss this morning?
- Der Boss hat heute frei, wir müssen Entscheidungen treffen.The boss is off today, we need to make decisions.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing work in a cafe.
- LauraIst Julian der neue Manager?Is Julian the new manager?
- JulianJa, er ist ein kompetenter Manager.Yes, he is a competent manager.
- LauraDas freut mich für ihn.I am happy for him.
- JulianEr macht einen tollen Job.He is doing a great job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manager” translations and entries Manager, Direktor, Direktorin, Managerin, Verwalter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
