der Leiter, –
leader · head · manager
Ein Gerät mit Stufen oder Sprossen, auf das man steigt, um höher zu kommen.
The German word „Leiter“ is a noun with two main meanings, depending on context:
- Ladder — a tool for climbing.
- Leader — a person who leads or manages.
It comes from the verb „leiten“ meaning "to lead" or "to guide."
Similar words for the leader meaning:
- Führungskraft (executive/manager)
- Chef (boss)
- Vorgesetzter (superior)
For the ladder meaning:
- Steiggerät (climbing device, less common)
- Tritt (step)
Difference:
- As leader, "Leiter" is a general term describing the person in charge, often in organizational contexts.
- As ladder, it specifically means the climbing equipment and differs entirely in meaning despite identical spelling. Context clarifies which is meant.
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Examples
Der Leiter führt das Team.noun
The leader leads the team.
Der Leiter der Abteilung kommt später.noun
The head of the department will come later.
Gestern trafen sich alle Leiter zum Essen.noun
Yesterday all leaders met for dinner.
Ich arbeite heute eng mit einem neuen Leiter zusammen.noun
I am working closely with a new manager today.
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