der  Leistungsträger

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlaɪstʊŋsˌtʁɛːɡɐ/

🧐 What does "der Leistungsträger" mean?

Der Leistungsträger is a masculine noun referring to a person (or sometimes a thing) that makes an above-average contribution to the performance or success of a group, company, society, or sports team. It's often seen positively but can also be used critically in socio-political debates.

• In work/business: A person whose work significantly contributes to the company's success (e.g., Spitzenmanager - top manager, highly productive employee).
• In sports: A player crucial for the team's success (e.g., Top-Torjäger - top scorer, captain).
• In society: Often refers to people considered pillars of the system through their work and tax contributions (e.g., Fachkräfte - skilled workers, Selbstständige - self-employed). The term can be controversial in this context.

⚠️ The term is almost exclusively used for men. The female form is die Leistungsträgerin.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Explained: Der Leistungsträger

The word "Leistungsträger" is a masculine noun. The corresponding article is der.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural)

Example Sentences

1. Der Kapitän ist der unumstrittene Leistungsträger der Fußballmannschaft.
   (The captain is the undisputed key performer of the football team.)
2. Die Firma sucht nach neuen Leistungsträgern für das Managementteam.
   (The company is looking for new key contributors for the management team.)
3. In der politischen Debatte wird oft über die Rolle der Leistungsträger in der Gesellschaft diskutiert.
   (The role of high performers/key contributors in society is often discussed in political debates.)
4. Man dankte dem Leistungsträger für seinen herausragenden Einsatz.
   (The key contributor was thanked for his outstanding commitment.)

💡 How to use "Leistungsträger"?

The term Leistungsträger is frequently used in contexts where performance and contribution to overall success are paramount.

• Wirtschaft & Beruf (Economy & Work): Describes key individuals whose absence would have noticeable negative consequences. Example: "Ohne unsere Top-Verkäufer, die wahren Leistungsträger, hätten wir das Jahr nicht so erfolgreich abgeschlossen." (Without our top salespeople, the true key contributors, we wouldn't have finished the year so successfully.)
• Sport: Refers to the most important players on a team. Example: "Nach der Verletzung des Leistungsträgers fiel die Mannschaftsleistung deutlich ab." (After the key player's injury, the team's performance dropped significantly.)
• Gesellschaft & Politik (Society & Politics): Often used to describe the working and tax-paying population funding the social system. Caution: Here, the term can also be used pejoratively or to differentiate from other groups (e.g., recipients of social benefits). Example: "Die Politik muss die Leistungsträger entlasten." (Politics must provide relief for the key contributors/high earners.)

Comparison:

• Stütze (Pillar/Support): Similar, but often refers more generally to support, not just measurable performance.
• Zugpferd (Driving Force / Lit. 'Draft Horse'): Similar, but emphasizes the motivating, driving function for others more strongly.
• Top-Performer: Modern Anglicism often used in management jargon with a very similar meaning.

🧠 Memory Aids

For the article der: Think of a strong man (masculine -> der) who is carrying (trägt) a heavy load (Leistung) on his shoulders. Der Träger (the carrier) is der Mann (the man).

For the meaning: Break down the word: Leistung (performance, achievement) + Träger (carrier, bearer). Someone who carries the (high) performance for a group or system. They are the engine keeping things running.

🔄 Similar & Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, potentially confusing words:

• Kostenträger (Cost Unit/Bearer): An accounting term (who bears the costs).
• Lastenträger (Load Carrier): Someone or something carrying physical loads (e.g., a donkey, a porter).

😂 A Little Laugh

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sind Sie ein Leistungsträger?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ich trage auf jeden Fall dazu bei, dass die Leistung getragen wird... meistens indem ich die Kaffeetassen zur Spülmaschine trage!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Are you a Leistungsträger (high performer/key contributor)?"
The employee replies: "I definitely contribute to carrying the performance... mostly by carrying the coffee cups to the dishwasher!"

📜 Poetically Put

Der Leistungsträger

Im Büro, auf dem Feld, im großen Spiel,
der Leistungsträger, er erreicht das Ziel.
Trägt die Last, bringt den Erfolg herbei,
ist für das Team 'ne starke Bank, ei jei.

Er zieht den Karren, oft durch tiefen Sand,
gibt alles, was er kann, mit Herz und Hand.
Man klopft ihm auf die Schulter, sagt "Gut gemacht!",
hat er die Leistung wieder mal vollbracht.

Translation:
The Key Performer

In the office, on the field, in the big game,
the Leistungsträger, he achieves the aim.
Carries the load, brings success near,
is for the team a strong support, oh dear.

He pulls the cart, often through deep sand,
gives everything he can, with heart and hand.
They pat his shoulder, say "Well done!" aloud,
when he has delivered the performance, proud.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich trage viel, doch keine Koffer schwer,
ich bring' den Erfolg, mal wenig, mal mehr.
Im Team bin ich oft der wichtigste Mann,
wer bin ich? Denk gut nach, fang an!

Translation:
I carry a lot, but not heavy suitcases,
I bring success, sometimes less, sometimes more in traces.
In a team, I'm often the most important man,
Who am I? Think carefully, if you can!

Solution: Der Leistungsträger

📎 Good to Know

Word Composition:

The word Leistungsträger is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Leistung: Performance, achievement, output.
• Der Träger: Carrier, bearer, supporter.

Feminine Form:

The explicit feminine form is die Leistungsträgerin (plural: die Leistungsträgerinnen).

Societal Discussion:

The term is central to debates about social justice, tax policy, and the valuation of work in society (Gesellschaft). Who counts as a Leistungsträger and who doesn't? This question is often a subject of political disputes (politische Auseinandersetzungen).