der  Intendant

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪntɛnˈtant/

🎭 What does "der Intendant" mean?

Der Intendant is a masculine noun referring to a person who holds the overall artistic and often administrative management position in a cultural institution. This typically includes:

• Theaters (city theaters, state theaters - Stadttheater, Staatstheater)
• Opera houses (Opernhäuser)
• Festivals (Festspiele)
• Broadcasting corporations (radio or television - Rundfunk- oder Fernsehanstalten), especially public ones.

He is responsible for the program schedule (der Spielplan), selecting personnel (like directors - Regisseure, actors - Schauspieler, singers - Sänger), the budget (das Budget), and the general direction of the institution. It's a position with high responsibility and significant influence in the cultural sector (Kulturbetrieb).

The word is always masculine; the article is der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of Intendant

The noun "Intendant" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

Note: "Intendant" follows the weak N-declension in the singular (except nominative) and plural, meaning an "-en" is added in all cases except the nominative singular.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Intendant stellte den neuen Spielplan vor.
   (The director presented the new program schedule.)
2. Die Unterschrift des Intendanten fehlte noch auf dem Vertrag.
   (The director's signature was still missing from the contract.)
3. Wir danken dem Intendanten für seine Unterstützung.
   (We thank the director for his support.)
4. Das Ensemble begrüßte den Intendanten herzlich.
   (The ensemble warmly welcomed the director.)
5. Viele Intendanten trafen sich bei der Konferenz.
   (Many directors met at the conference.)

🎬 Usage in Context

The term "Intendant" is mainly used in the cultural (kulturell) and media (medial) sectors.

• In theater/opera: Here, der Intendant is the top manager. He makes strategic decisions about the artistic program and finances. Example: "Der Intendant des Deutschen Theaters tritt zurück." (The director of the Deutsches Theater is resigning.)
• At broadcasting stations: Head of a public broadcasting corporation (e.g., an ARD station, ZDF). Example: "Der neue Intendant des Senders verspricht Reformen." (The new director of the station promises reforms.)
• Distinction: A Regisseur (stage director/film director) is responsible for the artistic realization of a single production (play, film), whereas der Intendant manages the entire institution. However, an Intendant can also direct productions themselves.

The term conveys authority (Autorität) and responsibility (Verantwortung) and is used in formal contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the director as the main man in charge; man is masculine, so it's der Intendant.

Meaning Mnemonic: The Intendant intends to direct the whole show (theater, station).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Intendanz: The office or administration of the Intendant.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der neue Schauspieler den erfahrenen Kollegen: "Ist der Intendant streng?"

Antwortet der Kollege: "Nein, überhaupt nicht. Er ist nur sehr entscheidungsfreudig – besonders wenn es um die Besetzung seiner Lieblingsrollen geht!" 😉

--- Translation ---

The new actor asks the experienced colleague: "Is the director strict?"

The colleague replies: "No, not at all. He's just very decisive – especially when it comes to casting his favorite roles!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Intendant

Im Musentempel, hoch verehrt,
Sitzt der Intendant, sein Wort was wert.
Er plant die Kunst, die auf die Bühne zieht,
Ob Drama schwer, ob heit'res Lied.

Mit Plan und Budget in der Hand,
Lenkt er das Schiff durch stürmisches Land.
Sein Blick geht weit, sein Sinn ist klar,
Für Kunst und Publikum, Jahr für Jahr.

--- Translation ---

In the temple of muses, highly revered,
Sits the director, his word is adhered.
He plans the art that takes the stage,
Whether heavy drama or a cheerful page.

With plan and budget in his hand,
He steers the ship through stormy land.
His vision wide, his mind is clear,
For art and audience, year after year.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich leite ein Haus voller Kunst und Klang,
Bestimme den Spielplan, mal kurz, mal lang.
Ob Oper, Theater, Funk oder TV –
Meine Vision kennt man genau.

Wer bin ich, mit Weitsicht und viel Elan,
Der Boss im Kultur- oder Medienplan?

--- Translation ---

I manage a house full of art and sound,
Decide the program, whether short or long-renowned.
Be it opera, theater, radio, or TV screen –
My vision is clearly seen.

Who am I, with foresight and lots of élan,
The boss in the cultural or media plan?

→ Der Intendant (The Director/Manager)

✨ Other Information

• Feminine Form: The feminine form is "die Intendantin".
• Origin: The word comes from the French "intendant", which originally meant "supervisor" or "administrator", derived from the Latin "intendere" (to direct one's attention to something, to intend).
• Historical Note: Historically in France, there were also intendants in state administration (finance, justice, police). However, this meaning is uncommon in German today.