der  Arbeitnehmervertreter

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʁnɛːmɐfɛɐ̯ˌtʁeːtɐ/

🧑‍💼 What exactly is an Arbeitnehmervertreter?

An Arbeitnehmervertreter is an employee representative, a person who represents the interests of employees towards the employer. This can take various forms, such as being a member of a Betriebsrat (works council), Personalrat (staff council in the public sector), or a representative of a trade union (Gewerkschaft).

The word is masculine, so the correct article is der Arbeitnehmervertreter. The feminine form is die Arbeitnehmervertreterin.

It refers to a person elected or appointed to represent the concerns of the workforce within a company or organization, particularly regarding working conditions, salaries, protection against dismissal, and co-determination (Mitbestimmung).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'der Arbeitnehmervertreter'

The noun 'Arbeitnehmervertreter' is masculine and follows the weak N-declension (schwache N-Deklination). This means it adds an '-n' ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Der Arbeitnehmervertreter sprach mit der Geschäftsführung über die neuen Arbeitszeiten.
   (The employee representative spoke with management about the new working hours.)
2. Die Unterschrift des Arbeitnehmervertretern war auf dem Dokument erforderlich.
   (The signature of the employee representative was required on the document.)
3. Wir übergaben die Liste der Forderungen dem Arbeitnehmervertretern.
   (We handed the list of demands to the employee representative.)
4. Die Belegschaft wählte gestern den Arbeitnehmervertretern ihres Vertrauens.
   (Yesterday, the workforce elected the employee representative they trust.)
5. Die Arbeitnehmervertreter treffen sich regelmäßig zur Besprechung.
   (The employee representatives meet regularly for discussions.)

🗣️ How 'der Arbeitnehmervertreter' is Used

The term 'Arbeitnehmervertreter' is mainly used in the context of labour law (Arbeitsrecht), works constitution (Betriebsverfassung), and trade union activities (Gewerkschaftsarbeit).

• Works Council/Staff Council: Often, the term refers to an elected member of the Betriebsrat (in the private sector) or the Personalrat (in the public sector).
• Trade Unions: Union officials who represent employees' interests (e.g., in collective bargaining - Tarifverhandlungen) can also be called Arbeitnehmervertreter.
• General: Any person officially representing employee interests towards management.

⚠️ Important: Do not confuse with Arbeitgebervertreter, which means employer representative.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of DER representative as typically being *'der Mann'* (the man) leading the representation. It's a masculine role in grammar, so *'der'*.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Arbeit-Nehmer (work-taker = employee) + Vertreter (representative). So, it's the representative for the 'work-takers' = Arbeitnehmervertreter.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Arbeitnehmervertreter

Similar, but not identical terms:

• Arbeitnehmer: Employee (The person being represented).
• Vertreter: Representative (General term, could be a sales representative, etc.).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Arbeitnehmervertreter: "Warum sind meine Mitarbeiter immer so schnell müde?"
Antwortet der Arbeitnehmervertreter: "Keine Ahnung, aber sie sagen, die Arbeit schläfert sie ein!" 😄

(The boss asks the employee representative: "Why are my employees always tired so quickly?"
The employee representative replies: "No idea, but they say the work puts them to sleep!")

📜 A Short Poem

Der Arbeitnehmervertreter wacht,
hat stets die Rechte im Blick, bei Tag und Nacht.
Für faire Löhne, gute Zeit,
steht er der Belegschaft zur Seit'.
Verhandelt klug, mit starker Hand,
im deutschen Arbeitswunderland.

(The employee representative keeps watch,
Always has the rights in view, day and night.
For fair wages, good times,
He stands by the workforce's side.
Negotiates wisely, with a strong hand,
In the German wonderland of work.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich spreche für viele, doch bin nur einer allein.
Ich sitze am Tisch, wo die Bosse sonst schrei'n.
Ich kämpfe für Rechte, für Lohn und für Frist.
Gewählt von Kollegen, weil wichtig das ist. Wer bin ich? ... Ein Arbeitnehmervertreter

(I speak for many, but am only one alone.
I sit at the table where the bosses usually groan.
I fight for rights, for pay and for time.
Elected by colleagues, because it's prime.
Who am I?
... An employee representative (Arbeitnehmervertreter))

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Arbeitnehmervertreter' is a compound noun, composed of three parts:

• Arbeit: work, labour
• Nehmer: taker (from the verb 'nehmen' - to take; Arbeitnehmer = employee, literally 'work taker')
• Vertreter: representative

Feminine Form:

The feminine form is: die Arbeitnehmervertreterin (Plural: die Arbeitnehmervertreterinnen).