der  Chefredakteur

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃɛfʁedaktøːɐ̯/

📰 What exactly is a Chefredakteur?

Der Chefredakteur (plural: die Chefredakteure) is the person who holds the editorial leadership position in an editorial office (Redaktion). He or she is responsible for the content direction, coordinating editorial work, and often personnel decisions within the editorial team (e.g., at a newspaper, magazine, TV station, or online publication).

It is a masculine noun. The feminine form is die Chefredakteurin.

🚨 Important: The word denotes a senior management position in the media sector.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'der Chefredakteur'

The noun der Chefredakteur is masculine and is declined as follows:

Singular

Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Chefredakteur legt die Themen für die nächste Ausgabe fest.
   (The editor-in-chief determines the topics for the next issue.)
2. Die Meinung des Chefredakteurs war im Leitartikel deutlich zu erkennen.
   (The editor-in-chief's opinion was clearly recognizable in the editorial.)
3. Wir haben die Vorschläge dem Chefredakteur vorgelegt.
   (We presented the proposals to the editor-in-chief.)
4. Sie interviewte den Chefredakteur für ihre Abschlussarbeit.
   (She interviewed the editor-in-chief for her thesis.)
5. Die Chefredakteure der verschiedenen Ressorts trafen sich zur Konferenz.
   (The editors-in-chief of the various departments met for the conference.)

💼 Everyday Usage

The term Chefredakteur is mainly used in the context of media companies. It refers to the highest editorial authority.

• Typical contexts: Newspapers (Zeitungen), magazines (Zeitschriften), online magazines, news agencies (Nachrichtenagenturen), radio and television broadcasters (Rundfunk- und Fernsehanstalten).
• Distinction: A simple Redakteur (editor) reports to the Chefredakteur and is usually responsible for a specific department or topic. A Herausgeber (publisher) is often the owner and not necessarily involved in the day-to-day editorial work, but may set the general direction.
• International equivalent: The position corresponds to the English "Editor-in-Chief".

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the article: The Chef (boss) is often a man (masculine) – therefore der Chefredakteur. (Think of the masculine job title as the default form in German, even though die Chefredakteurin exists).

Remembering the meaning: Imagine the Chef (boss) of the Redakteure (editors) sitting at the biggest desk, setting the direction – he is the Chef-Redakteur (Editor-in-Chief).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but not identical terms:

• Herausgeber (Publisher): Often the owner, determines the general direction, not necessarily day-to-day operations.
• Intendant (Broadcasting): Head of an entire broadcasting station (not just the editorial department).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der neue Volontär den Chefredakteur: "Chef, kann ich heute zwei Stunden früher gehen? Meine Frau will mit mir einkaufen."
Chefredakteur: "Kommt gar nicht in Frage!"
Volontär: "Vielen Dank, Chef! Ich wusste, Sie würden mich nicht im Stich lassen!"

Translation: The new trainee asks the editor-in-chief: "Boss, can I leave two hours early today? My wife wants to go shopping with me."
Editor-in-chief: "Absolutely out of the question!"
Trainee: "Thanks a lot, boss! I knew you wouldn't let me down!"

✒️ Poem about the Chefredakteur

Der Chefredakteur, mit ernstem Blick,
lenkt der Zeitung das Geschick.
Jede Zeile, jedes Wort,
trägt er weiter, an den richtigen Ort.
Er prüft die Fakten, Tag und Nacht,
hat das letzte Wort, gibt sorgsam Acht.
Sein Urteil zählt, sein Wort hat Gewicht,
im täglichen Strom von Nachricht und Licht.

Translation:
The editor-in-chief, with a serious gaze,
guides the newspaper's fate and ways.
Every line and every word,
he carries onward, to be heard.
He checks the facts, day and through night,
has the final say, with careful might.
His judgment counts, his word holds sway,
in the daily flood of news and light's display.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich sitze an der Spitze, im Medienhaus,
entscheide über 'rein' oder 'raus'.
Ich leite die Schreiber, mit Plan und Verstand,
bin der oberste Boss im Nachrichtenland.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I sit at the top, in the media's domain,
decide what goes 'in' or 'out' again.
I lead the writers, with plan and with wit,
I'm the top boss in the news land, that's it.

Who am I?

Solution: Der Chefredakteur (The Editor-in-Chief)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition: The word "Chefredakteur" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Chef: From French, meaning leader, head.
• Redakteur: A person who edits texts for publication (from redigieren - to edit).

Feminine Form: The correct feminine form is "die Chefredakteurin".

Historical Note: Previously often called "Schriftleiter", "Chefredakteur" has become the standard modern term.