der  Obmann

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɔpman/

🧐 What exactly is an Obmann?

Der Obmann (plural: die Obmänner or die Obleute) is a male person who holds a leading or spokesperson role in a group, committee, commission, or association. The exact role can vary depending on the context.

• Chairman/Leader: Often, the Obmann chairs meetings and coordinates the work of a group (e.g., in a parliamentary committee, a guild, a sports team).
• Spokesperson: He can also act as the official spokesperson for the group.
• Foreman/Trusted Representative: In certain contexts (e.g., juries), the Obmann can play a mediating or decisive role.

⚠️ Note: The word is masculine. The feminine form is die Obfrau. More recently, the plural Obleute is also used, which is perceived as more gender-neutral than Obmänner.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar & Declension of Obmann

The noun der Obmann is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Note on the Plural: Obmänner is the traditional form. Obleute is used more frequently, especially in official contexts, to suggest a more gender-neutral term, although grammatically it is still a plural of Obmann or Obfrau.

Example Sentences

1. Der Obmann des Untersuchungsausschusses eröffnete die Sitzung.
   (The chairman of the investigative committee opened the session.)
2. Wir warten auf die Entscheidung des Obmanns.
   (We are waiting for the chairman's decision.)
3. Die Fraktion wählte einen neuen Obmann.
   (The parliamentary group elected a new chairman/spokesman.)
4. Die Obleute der verschiedenen Parteien trafen sich zur Beratung.
   (The chairpersons/spokespersons of the different parties met for consultation.)

🗣️ How is Obmann used?

The term Obmann is used in various fields:

• Politics: As the leader or spokesperson of a parliamentary group within a committee (e.g., Obmann im Finanzausschuss - chairman in the finance committee).
• Clubs & Associations: As the chairman or head of a department (e.g., Jugendobmann in a sports club - youth section leader).
• Professional Organizations: Formerly more common, e.g., in guilds.
• Law: The foreman of a jury is sometimes called the Obmann.
• Sports: Especially in team sports, there might be an Obmann responsible for organizational tasks.

Compared to Vorsitzender (chairman), Obmann often emphasizes the function as a spokesperson or coordinator within a committee more strongly, while Vorsitzender generally refers to a leading position.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man) – der Obmann is often a man who is 'over' (oben = above) things or pays attention ('gives Obacht'). This helps remember the masculine article der.

Meaning Mnemonic: The Obmann has the oberblick (overview) and gives Obacht (care/attention). He's the 'man' for organization and leadership.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• Hauptmann: Captain (a military rank).
• Amtmann: An administrative official (Beamter).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Obmann der Geschworenen: "Sind Sie und die anderen Geschworenen zu einem Urteil gekommen?" Antwortet der Obmann: "Ja, Herr Richter. Wir haben beschlossen, uns nicht einzumischen."

(The judge asks the jury foreman: "Have you and the other jurors reached a verdict?" The foreman replies: "Yes, Your Honor. We've decided not to get involved.")

📜 Poem about the Obmann

Der Obmann, klug und sehr gewandt,
hält die Sitzung fest in seiner Hand.
Er leitet, spricht, gibt kund und acht,
hat alles wohl bedacht.
Im Ausschuss oder im Verein,
sein Wort hat oft Gewicht – so soll es sein.
Die Obleute, Mann für Mann (und Frau),
vertreten ihre Sicht genau.

(The chairman, clever and adept,
holds the meeting firmly in his hand.
He leads, speaks, announces, and takes care,
has considered everything well.
In committee or association,
his word often carries weight - as it should be.
The chairpersons, man by man (and woman),
represent their views precisely.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich leite die Gruppe, doch bin kein König,
ich spreche für viele, verdiene nicht wenig (manchmal!).
Im Sport, im Verein, im Parlament,
wer bin ich, der oft die Richtung lenkt?

(I lead the group, but am no king,
I speak for many, don't earn little (sometimes!).
In sports, in clubs, in parliament,
who am I, who often steers the course?)

Solution: Der Obmann

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Obmann" is composed of:

• Ob-: An old preposition/adverb meaning "over", "at the top", "because of". Related to English "over" or Latin "ob". It indicates a superior or responsible position.
• Mann: Refers to a (originally male) person.

Historical Context: The term has roots in old Germanic organizational forms and was later adopted in guilds, and finally in modern parliamentary and association structures.