die
Chefsache
👑 What does "die Chefsache" mean?
Die Chefsache refers to a matter that, due to its importance, urgency, or sensitivity, must be handled directly by the highest decision-making level (der Chef / the boss, die Chefin / the female boss, management, political leadership, etc.). It signals that a task or problem cannot or should not be delegated but requires the personal attention of the leadership.
Typically, these are strategic decisions, sensitive topics, or problems requiring high authority for resolution.
- It implies high priority.
- It can also mean that something is (still) being treated confidentially.
🚨 Watch out: Sometimes the term is used ironically to elevate an actually unimportant matter that someone declares a "Chefsache".
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar of "Chefsache" at a Glance
The word "Chefsache" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is mostly used in the singular, as it often refers to a specific, high-priority matter. A plural form ("die Chefsachen") is grammatically possible but rarely used.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Chefsache | eine Chefsache |
| Genitive | der Chefsache | einer Chefsache |
| Dative | der Chefsache | einer Chefsache |
| Accusative | die Chefsache | eine Chefsache |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Verhandlungen mit dem neuen Großkunden sind Chefsache.
(The negotiations with the new major client are a matter for the boss.) - Der Bundeskanzler erklärte die Klimapolitik zur Chefsache.
(The Chancellor declared climate policy a top priority / a matter for the boss.) - "Keine Sorge, darum kümmere ich mich persönlich – das ist Chefsache", sagte der Abteilungsleiter.
("Don't worry, I'll take care of it personally – that's a boss's matter," said the department head.) - Ob wir Pizza oder Pasta bestellen, ist hier keine Chefsache.
(Whether we order pizza or pasta is not a top-level decision here. / Used somewhat ironically/colloquially)
🗣️ How to use "Chefsache"?
"Chefsache" is primarily used in professional and political contexts. It signals that a matter has high importance and is being handled directly by the leadership level.
- Context: Companies, authorities, politics, organizations. Sometimes also in the private sphere for very important family decisions (rather rare or slightly humorous).
- Connotation: Seriousness, priority, authority, sometimes also urgency or confidentiality.
- Comparison: Unlike a Routineaufgabe (routine task) or a delegierbare Angelegenheit (delegable matter), die Chefsache is at the top of the priority list and requires the management's attention. A Nebensache (minor matter) is the opposite.
- Typical Phrases: "etwas zur Chefsache erklären" (to declare something a top priority/boss's matter), "etwas ist Chefsache" (something is a matter for the boss), "etwas zur Chefsache machen" (to make something a top priority/boss's matter).
💡 Mnemonics for "Chefsache"
Article Mnemonic: Think of the feminine noun die Angelegenheit (the matter) or die Priorität (the priority). Since "Chefsache" is an important matter, often decided by one key person (the boss), the feminine article "die" fits well.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the Chef (boss) saying: "This Sache (matter/thing) is so important, I'll do it myself!" -> Chef + Sache = Chefsache. It's the matter only the boss should handle.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Top-Priorität: Emphasizes high urgency/importance.
- Angelegenheit der Führungsebene: Describes the area of responsibility (matter for the management level).
- Präsidialaufgabe (rarer, more political): Task for the president/chairperson.
- Wichtige Angelegenheit: General term for something significant (important matter).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Nebensache: Something unimportant, secondary (minor matter).
- Kleinigkeit: An insignificant matter (trifle).
- Routineaufgabe: A task performed regularly and routinely (routine task).
- Delegierbare Aufgabe: A task that can be passed on to employees (delegable task).
⚠️ Similar Words (Potential Confusion):
- Geschäftssache: A business matter, but not necessarily one for the boss.
- Herzenssache: A matter very close to one's heart (emotional).
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Mitarbeiter den Chef: "Chef, können Sie mir eine Gehaltserhöhung geben?" Antwortet der Chef: "Hmm, das muss ich erst zur Chefsache erklären und mit mir selbst besprechen!"
English: The employee asks the boss: "Boss, can you give me a raise?" The boss replies: "Hmm, I first have to declare that a 'Chefsache' and discuss it with myself!"
✒️ A Little Poem
German:
Wenn's knifflig wird und keiner weiß,
wer löst das Ding, wer kennt den Preis?
Wenn Druck entsteht und Zeit verrinnt,
ein Wort die Richtung schnell bestimmt.
Nicht delegieren, nicht verschieben,
ganz oben wird es nun entschieden.
Der Chef greift ein, mit klarer Sicht,
denn diese Sache duldet Aufschub nicht.
Es ist: die Chefsache, wohlbedacht,
die jetzt sofort wird klargemacht!
English Translation:
When things get tricky, no one knows,
who'll solve the issue, how it goes?
When pressure mounts and time flies past,
one word decides the course so fast.
No delegation, no delay,
the very top will have the say.
The boss steps in, with vision clear,
this matter brooks no waiting here.
It is: the boss's task, well-thought,
that's dealt with now, as it ought!
❓ A Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin kein König, doch trage Verantwortung schwer.
Ich lande auf dem Tisch ganz oben, bitte sehr.
Man kann mich nicht delegieren, ich brauch' den höchsten Blick.
Bin ich erstmal erklärt, gibt es kein Zurück.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: die Chefsache
English:
I wear no crown, yet bear responsibility grave.
I land on the top desk, attention I crave.
You cannot delegate me, I need the highest sight.
Once I am declared, there's no turning back from the light.
What am I?
Solution: die Chefsache (the matter for the boss / top priority)
🧩 Other Interesting Details
Word Composition
The word "Chefsache" is a compound noun, composed of:
Together, it literally means "boss's matter".
Usage in Media
The term is frequently used in headlines and news reports (Nachrichten) in Germany to emphasize the importance of a political or economic topic being handled by top-level figures (e.g., "Klimaschutz zur Chefsache erklärt" - Climate protection declared a top priority / matter for the boss).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Chefsache?
The correct article for "Chefsache" is die. It is a feminine noun (derived from die Sache - the matter), signifying an issue that must be personally handled by the highest level of leadership (der Chef / die Chefin) due to its high priority or sensitivity.