der Vorgesetzte, –

The German word "Vorgesetzte" is a noun (often used as an adjective) meaning "superior", "boss", or "supervisor".

• It is made of two parts:
  • "vor" (prefix, meaning "before" or "ahead") – you asked to exclude prefixes, so omitted here.
  • "gesetzt" from the verb "setzen" which means "to set" or "to place".

A "Vorgesetzte" is someone placed ahead in hierarchy or authority.

Similar words:

• Chef (boss)
• Leiter (leader)
• Direktor (director)
• Vorgesetzter (masculine form)

Differences:

• "Vorgesetzte" specifically emphasizes hierarchical relation, i.e., being "placed above".
• "Chef" is more informal and common for "boss".
• "Leiter" and "Direktor" carry more specific leadership connotations or official titles.