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nounnoun

der Rektor, -en

principal

Leiter einer Schule oder Universität.

Definition & meaning

The noun der Rektor refers to the head of an academic institution.

  1. University context: The principal administrative officer of a university or college. In many German-speaking countries, this corresponds to the "President" or "Chancellor" of a university in the English-speaking world.
  2. School context: In some German states, it can also refer to the principal or headmaster of a school (specifically of a Hauptschule or Realschule), though the term Schulleiter is more commonly used in general practice.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der). The plural is die Rektoren.
  • Word origin: It stems from the Latin word rector, which means "ruler," "leader," or "guide," derived from the verb regere (to lead or to rule).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Universitätspräsident (common term for the head of a university)
  • Schulleiter (generic term for a school principal)
  • Vorsteher (a formal term for a director or head)

Antonyms:

  • Student (a student, representing the opposite role within the institution)
  • Untergebener (a subordinate, as the rector holds the superior position)

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Examples

Der Rektor begrüßt die neuen Studenten.noun

The principal welcomes the new students.

Unser Rektor hält eine Rede bei der Abschlussfeier.noun

Our principal is giving a speech at the graduation ceremony.

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