der  Kollege

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/koˈlɛɡə/

🧑‍💼 What exactly is a 'Kollege'?

The word der Kollege refers to a male person who works in the same company, organization, profession, or sometimes the same educational institution (e.g., university) as oneself. It emphasizes a professional or functional equality or affiliation.

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

🚨 Attention: In the plural and in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular cases, 'Kollege' takes the ending '-n' (this is called N-declension).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: The N-Declension of 'Kollege'

"Der Kollege" belongs to the group of masculine nouns that follow the so-called N-declension (N-Deklination). This means they receive an -n or -en ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

Example Sentences

• Nominative Singular: Der Kollege aus der IT-Abteilung ist sehr hilfsbereit. (The colleague from the IT department is very helpful.)
• Genitive Singular: Das ist der Schreibtisch des neuen Kollegen. (That is the desk of the new colleague.)
• Dative Singular: Ich habe dem Kollegen die Unterlagen gegeben. (I gave the documents to the colleague.)
• Accusative Singular: Hast du den Kollegen Meier heute schon gesehen? (Have you seen colleague Meier today?)
• Nominative Plural: Morgen treffen sich alle Kollegen zur Besprechung. (Tomorrow all colleagues will meet for the meeting.)
• Dative Plural: Der Chef dankte den Kollegen für ihren Einsatz. (The boss thanked the colleagues for their commitment.)

💬 How to Use 'Kollege'?

• In professional life: This is the most common use. You talk about Arbeitskollegen (work colleagues), Berufskollegen (professional colleagues), etc. Example: "Mein Kollege übernimmt das Projekt, während ich im Urlaub bin." (My colleague is taking over the project while I'm on vacation.)
• In a broader sense: Sometimes used for people in the same field or similar organization, even if not in the same company (e.g., doctors among themselves). Example: "Ich habe mich mit einem Kollegen auf der Konferenz ausgetauscht." (I exchanged ideas with a colleague at the conference.)
• Form of address: In some contexts, "Kollege" can be used as a direct address, often slightly informal or among peers. Example: "Na, Kollege, wie läuft's?" (Hey colleague, how's it going?) (Can sound matey or slightly distant depending on the situation).
• Distinction from 'Freund': A Kollege is not automatically a Freund (friend). The relationship is primarily defined by work.
• Formal vs. Informal: Usage is mostly neutral. "Sehr geehrter Herr Kollege" is a very formal address (e.g., among lawyers, doctors, politicians). In everyday life, "Kollege" is rather neutral to slightly informal.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Kollege'

Article Mnemonic: Think: Der is the article for most masculine persons in German. A Kollege is typically a male person at work, so it's der Kollege.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the English word "colleague". The German word Kollege sounds very similar and starts with 'Ko-', similar to 'co-' meaning 'together'. You work 'together' with your Kollegen.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Kollegin: The feminine form of Kollege. Don't mix them up!
• Kollegium: (Staff / Faculty / Body of colleagues) The entire body of colleagues at an institution (e.g., Lehrerkollegium - teaching staff).
• Kollegial: Adjective meaning collegial, describing fair, cooperative behavior among colleagues.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef einen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, können Sie auch über Pünktlichkeit lachen?" Darauf der Mitarbeiter: "Ja klar, Chef!" Chef: "Gut, dann werden Sie hier viel Spaß haben, Kollege!"

English Translation: The boss asks a new employee: "Tell me, can you laugh about punctuality?" The employee replies: "Sure, boss!" Boss: "Good, then you'll have a lot of fun here, colleague!"

✍️ Poem about Colleagues

German:
Der Kollege sitzt am Tisch nebenan,
manchmal still, manchmal laut, nebenmann.
Man teilt den Stress, die Pause, den Kaffee,
im Büroalltag, ach herrje.
Mal hilft er dir, mal brauchst du Rat,
ein guter Kollege – eine gute Tat!

English Translation:
The colleague sits at the next desk,
Sometimes quiet, sometimes loud, close at task.
You share the stress, the break, the coffee brew,
In daily office life, oh dear, it's true.
Sometimes he helps, sometimes you need advice,
A good colleague – a deed that's nice!

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin meist männlich und im Job zu Haus,
teile oft Büro und manchmal Applaus.
Mit dir zusammen schaff' ich viel,
erreiche manches Arbeitsziel.
Die weibliche Form ist 'Kollegin' genannt,
wer bin ich, dir sicher bekannt?

English Translation:
I'm usually male and at home in the job,
Often sharing an office, sometimes applause from the mob.
Together with you, I achieve a lot,
Reaching many a work target spot.
The female form is 'Kollegin' by name,
Who am I, surely known to you, it's plain?

Solution: der Kollege

💡 Other Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Kollege" comes from the Latin collēga, meaning "colleague in office" or "person commissioned together". It is composed of con- (together) and lēgāre (to delegate, commission).
• Feminine Form: The explicit feminine form die Kollegin is standard today and should be used when referring to women.
• Adjective: The corresponding adjective is kollegial, meaning "collegial" and describing fair, supportive behavior among colleagues. Example: "Wir pflegen einen sehr kollegialen Umgangston." (We maintain a very collegial tone.)
• Noun (Collective): Das Kollegium refers to the entire body of colleagues at an institution (e.g., das Lehrerkollegium – the teaching staff).