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A1 noun #2,500 mais comum 10 min de leitura

Kollege

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas Kollege em 30 segundos
Explicação Kollege in your Level:
At the A1 level, learning the word 'Kollege' is essential because it is one of the most common words you will use to describe the people around you in a work environment. 'Kollege' means 'colleague' or 'coworker'. It is a masculine noun, which means you use 'der' for 'the' and 'ein' for 'a' (der Kollege, ein Kollege). When you want to introduce someone at work, you can simply say, 'Das ist mein Kollege' (This is my colleague). It is important to know that 'Kollege' specifically refers to a male coworker. If you are talking about a female coworker, you must use the feminine form, which is 'die Kollegin'. For example, 'Das ist meine Kollegin' (This is my female colleague). When you have more than one colleague, you use the plural form. The plural of 'der Kollege' is 'die Kollegen', and the plural of 'die Kollegin' is 'die Kolleginnen'. You will often hear people say 'meine Kollegen' (my colleagues) when talking about their team. At this beginner level, focus on using 'Kollege' in simple sentences. Practice saying where your colleague is ('Der Kollege ist im Büro' - The colleague is in the office) or describing them ('Mein Kollege ist nett' - My colleague is nice). Remember that in German, nouns are always capitalized, so always write 'Kollege' with a capital 'K'. Learning this word early on will help you build a basic vocabulary for talking about your daily life and work, which is a common topic in A1 language classes and everyday conversations.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 'Kollege' expands to include basic grammatical changes, specifically the cases. You already know 'der Kollege' (nominative), but now you need to use it in sentences where it is the object. 'Kollege' belongs to a special group of nouns called 'weak nouns' (n-Deklination). This means that whenever it is not the subject of the sentence, you must add an '-n' to the end of the word. For example, if you want to say 'I see the colleague', you use the accusative case: 'Ich sehe den Kollegen'. If you want to say 'I am talking to the colleague', you use the dative case with the preposition 'mit': 'Ich spreche mit dem Kollegen'. This '-n' ending is very important and is a common mistake for learners, so practicing it at the A2 level is crucial. You will also start using 'Kollege' in more complex workplace interactions. You might need to ask a colleague for help: 'Kannst du mir helfen, Kollege?' or tell someone that you are working with a colleague: 'Ich arbeite heute mit meinem Kollegen zusammen'. You will also learn to distinguish between formal and informal situations. In Germany, you might use 'Sie' (formal) with a 'Kollege' until they offer you the 'du' (informal). Understanding this cultural aspect of the workplace is just as important as the grammar. Practice using 'Kollegen' (plural) in different contexts, such as 'Wir sind gute Kollegen' (We are good colleagues) or 'Ich mag meine Kollegen' (I like my colleagues).
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At the B1 level, you are expected to have a firm grasp of the n-declension (n-Deklination) associated with 'Kollege'. You should confidently use 'den Kollegen' (accusative), 'dem Kollegen' (dative), and 'des Kollegen' (genitive) without hesitation. The genitive case becomes more prominent at this level to show possession, such as 'Das ist der Computer des Kollegen' (That is the colleague's computer). Beyond grammar, B1 requires you to understand the nuances of workplace relationships and how 'Kollege' fits into them. You should be able to discuss your work environment, describe your team dynamics, and explain the difference between a 'Kollege' (peer) and a 'Vorgesetzter' (supervisor) or 'Mitarbeiter' (employee). You will also encounter compound nouns using 'Kollege', which are very common in German. Words like 'Arbeitskollege' (work colleague), 'Bürokollege' (office colleague), or 'Vereinskollege' (club colleague) allow you to be more precise about the context of your relationship. At B1, you should also be comfortable using gender-inclusive language or at least understanding it when you read or hear it, such as 'Kolleginnen und Kollegen' in formal emails or speeches. You might write a short email to your team starting with 'Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen'. Furthermore, you will learn to express opinions about your colleagues, handle minor conflicts, and participate in discussions about workplace culture, using 'Kollege' naturally in various sentence structures and tenses.
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At the B2 level, your use of 'Kollege' should be fluent and nuanced. You are dealing with complex professional communication where the exact choice of words matters. You understand that 'Kollege' implies a professional boundary that is distinct from 'Freund' (friend), reflecting the typical German separation of private and professional life. You can discuss abstract concepts related to collegiality, such as 'Kollegialität' (collegiality/team spirit) and what it means to behave 'kollegial' (collegial/cooperative). You are comfortable navigating the subtle shifts in register, knowing when to use formal greetings like 'Sehr geehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen' in official company correspondence versus a casual 'Hallo Kollegen' in a quick team chat. At this level, you also encounter 'Kollege' in idiomatic expressions or specific jargon. You might read articles about 'Kollegenschelte' (criticizing colleagues) or discuss the legal implications of interactions between 'Kollegen' in the context of labor law (Arbeitsrecht). You are fully aware of the n-declension and use it flawlessly, even in complex, multi-clause sentences. You can also understand the slightly derogatory or overly familiar slang use of 'Kollege' (e.g., 'Pass mal auf, Kollege!') and know exactly why and when to avoid it in professional settings. Your vocabulary includes a wide range of synonyms and related terms, allowing you to avoid repetition and express yourself with precision and sophistication in any professional German-speaking environment.
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At the C1 level, your mastery of the word 'Kollege' extends to its sociological, cultural, and historical dimensions within the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region. You can engage in high-level discussions about workplace psychology, analyzing the dynamics between 'Kollegen' in flat hierarchies versus traditional corporate structures. You understand the etymological roots of the word (from Latin 'collega') and how it has evolved. You are adept at using gender-sensitive language seamlessly, navigating the ongoing debates in German society regarding the generic masculine versus forms like 'Kolleg*innen' or 'Kolleg:innen' in academic and corporate writing. You can critically analyze texts, such as union manifestos or HR policy documents, where the term 'Kollege' is used to invoke solidarity or define legal boundaries. In spoken German, you can employ 'Kollege' rhetorically in speeches or presentations to build rapport with an audience. You understand regional variations and subtle connotations; for instance, how 'Kollege' might be used differently in a traditional Austrian institution compared to a Berlin startup. You are also familiar with literary or journalistic uses of the word, where it might be used ironically or metaphorically. At C1, 'Kollege' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept that you can manipulate and discuss with near-native fluency, understanding all its grammatical, social, and cultural implications.
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At the C2 level, your understanding and application of 'Kollege' are indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess an exhaustive command of the word's usage across all registers, from the most formal legal and academic discourse to the most localized colloquialisms. You can deconstruct the sociolinguistic impact of the term in various historical contexts, such as its usage in the labor movements of the 19th and 20th centuries or its specific connotations in the former East Germany (GDR) compared to the West. You effortlessly navigate the complexities of the n-declension, even in archaic or highly stylized literary contexts where the genitive 'des Kollegen' might be used for poetic effect. You can engage in profound debates about the evolution of workplace terminology, comparing 'Kollege' with modern corporate jargon like 'Teammitglied' or 'Co-Worker', and analyzing what these linguistic shifts reveal about changing societal attitudes towards labor and interpersonal relationships. You are capable of writing academic papers, legal briefs, or compelling literature where the precise choice between 'Kollege', 'Mitarbeiter', 'Gefährte', or 'Kompagnon' is critical to the text's meaning and tone. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'Kollege' is a tool you use with absolute precision, reflecting a deep, internalized comprehension of the German language and its cultural underpinnings.
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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

Kollege em 30 segundos

  • Means 'colleague' or 'coworker' (male).
  • Requires '-n' in accusative, dative, genitive.
  • Feminine form is 'die Kollegin'.
  • Used strictly for professional relationships.
The German word 'Kollege' is a masculine noun that translates to 'colleague' or 'coworker' in English. It is a fundamental term used in professional and academic environments to refer to someone you work with. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone entering the German workforce or engaging in professional communication. The term specifically refers to a male colleague, while the feminine equivalent is 'Kollegin'. In modern German, the plural form 'Kollegen' has historically been used as a generic masculine to refer to a mixed group of coworkers, though gender-neutral forms like 'Kolleginnen und Kollegen', 'Kolleg*innen', or 'Kolleg:innen' are increasingly common in written and formal contexts. Grammatically, 'Kollege' is a classic example of the 'n-declension' (n-Deklination) or weak masculine noun. This means that in all cases except the nominative singular, it takes an '-n' ending. Therefore, it is 'der Kollege' (nominative), but 'den Kollegen' (accusative), 'dem Kollegen' (dative), and 'des Kollegen' (genitive). This grammatical feature often trips up learners, making it a vital word to master early on.

Das ist mein neuer Kollege.

Nominative
der Kollege (The colleague works hard.)
When you are introducing someone at work, you will frequently use the nominative case. However, as soon as the colleague becomes the object of the sentence, the n-declension applies.

Ich sehe den Kollegen im Büro.

Accusative
den Kollegen (I see the colleague.)
The workplace culture in Germany places a strong emphasis on professionalism and clear boundaries, which is reflected in how the word 'Kollege' is used. Unlike in some English-speaking cultures where coworkers might quickly become friends, a 'Kollege' in Germany is primarily a professional associate. If a colleague becomes a personal friend, they might be referred to as 'ein Freund und Kollege' or simply 'ein Freund'.

Ich spreche mit dem Kollegen.

Dative
dem Kollegen (I am talking to the colleague.)
The distinction between 'Mitarbeiter' (employee) and 'Kollege' is also important. While your boss might refer to you as a 'Mitarbeiter', you would refer to your peers as 'Kollegen'.

Das ist der Schreibtisch des Kollegen.

In casual slang, especially among younger people or in certain trades, 'Kollege' can sometimes be used to address a friend or even a stranger in a slightly confrontational or overly familiar way, similar to 'buddy' or 'pal' in English (e.g., 'Hey, Kollege, pass auf!'). However, its primary and most important meaning remains firmly rooted in the professional sphere.

Wir sind gute Kollegen.

Mastering the word 'Kollege' and its grammatical nuances will significantly improve your ability to navigate German professional environments and communicate effectively about your work life.
Using the word 'Kollege' correctly involves understanding both its grammatical requirements and its social implications within the German-speaking workplace. As a weak masculine noun (n-Deklination), the most common mistake learners make is forgetting the '-n' ending in the accusative, dative, and genitive cases. When you say 'I am helping my colleague', you must use the dative case: 'Ich helfe meinem Kollegen'. If you say 'I am calling my colleague', you use the accusative case: 'Ich rufe meinen Kollegen an'.

Ich rufe meinen Kollegen an.

Action
Calling a colleague requires the accusative case.
Beyond grammar, the social usage of 'Kollege' is tied to the concepts of 'Duzen' (using the informal 'du') and 'Siezen' (using the formal 'Sie'). In traditional German corporate culture, colleagues often address each other with 'Sie' and their last names (e.g., 'Herr Müller, mein Kollege').

Darf ich Ihnen meinen Kollegen vorstellen?

Introduction
Formal introduction of a colleague to a third party.
However, modern startups and international companies in Germany frequently adopt a 'per Du' culture from day one, where colleagues use first names and the informal 'du'. Regardless of whether you use 'du' or 'Sie', the word 'Kollege' remains the standard term for a coworker. When writing emails to a group of coworkers, a common salutation is 'Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen' (Dear female and male colleagues).

Liebe Kollegen, das Meeting beginnt in fünf Minuten.

Email Greeting
A standard way to address a team in written communication.
It is also common to use compound words with 'Kollege' to specify the context of the relationship. For example, 'Arbeitskollege' explicitly means work colleague, 'Vereinskollege' refers to a fellow club member, and 'Studienkollege' refers to a fellow student.

Er ist ein ehemaliger Arbeitskollege von mir.

When speaking about a female coworker, you must use 'die Kollegin'. If you have a mixed group, the traditional approach was to use the generic masculine 'die Kollegen', but modern inclusive language prefers 'die Kolleginnen und Kollegen' or forms with a gender star ('Kolleg*innen').

Die Zusammenarbeit mit den Kollegen ist hervorragend.

Understanding these nuances ensures that your communication in a German professional setting is not only grammatically correct but also culturally appropriate and respectful of workplace norms.
The word 'Kollege' is ubiquitous in any German-speaking environment where people work, study, or collaborate. You will hear it most frequently in office buildings, factories, hospitals, schools, and universities. In a corporate office, it is the standard term used during meetings, in emails, and in casual conversations by the coffee machine.

Ich muss das kurz mit meinem Kollegen besprechen.

Office Context
Discussing matters with a coworker before making a decision.
You will also hear it extensively in retail and service industries. For instance, a shop assistant might tell a customer, 'Ich frage kurz meinen Kollegen' (I will quickly ask my colleague) if they do not know the answer to a question.

Mein Kollege an der Kasse wird Ihnen helfen.

Retail Context
Directing a customer to another staff member.
In academic settings, professors and researchers refer to their peers as 'Kollegen'. You might hear a professor say in a lecture, 'Wie mein geschätzter Kollege bereits erwähnt hat...' (As my esteemed colleague has already mentioned...).

Ein Kollege aus der Forschungsabteilung hat die Daten analysiert.

Academic Context
Referring to a fellow researcher or academic peer.
Interestingly, 'Kollege' is also used in trade unions and blue-collar jobs, sometimes carrying a strong sense of solidarity. Union members often address each other as 'Kolleginnen und Kollegen' during strikes or meetings.

Liebe Kollegen, wir fordern bessere Arbeitsbedingungen!

Furthermore, in colloquial street language, 'Kollege' can be used to address someone whose name you don't know, sometimes in a slightly confrontational manner. For example, if someone cuts in line, a person might say, 'Hey Kollege, stell dich hinten an!' (Hey buddy, get in line at the back!).

Pass mal auf, Kollege!

While this slang usage is common, it is crucial for learners to primarily focus on the professional meaning, as using it as slang in the wrong context can be perceived as rude or overly aggressive. In professional and polite society, 'Kollege' remains a term of respect and professional association.
When learning the word 'Kollege', students frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls, primarily related to grammar, gender, and false friends. The most significant grammatical mistake is ignoring the n-declension (n-Deklination). Because 'Kollege' is a weak masculine noun, it must take an '-n' ending in the accusative, dative, and genitive cases.

Falsch: Ich frage mein Kollege. Richtig: Ich frage meinen Kollegen.

Accusative Error
Forgetting the '-n' when the colleague is the direct object.
Learners often say 'Ich spreche mit mein Kollege' instead of the correct 'Ich spreche mit meinem Kollegen'. This mistake immediately marks the speaker as a beginner.

Falsch: Das Auto von der Kollege. Richtig: Das Auto des Kollegen.

Genitive Error
Failing to use the '-n' in the genitive case to show possession.
Another common mistake is related to gender. 'Kollege' specifically refers to a male coworker. English speakers, used to the gender-neutral 'colleague', often use 'Kollege' to refer to a female coworker. The correct term for a female coworker is 'die Kollegin'.

Sie ist meine beste Kollegin (not Kollege).

Gender Error
Using the masculine form for a female coworker.
Additionally, there is a false friend issue with the English word 'college'. English speakers sometimes mistakenly use 'Kollege' when they mean 'university' or 'college'. In German, 'college' translates to 'die Universität' (Uni) or 'die Hochschule'. The German word 'das College' exists but refers specifically to the Anglo-American educational institution.

Falsch: Ich gehe aufs Kollege. Richtig: Ich gehe an die Uni.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'Kollege' with 'Mitarbeiter'. While both relate to work, 'Mitarbeiter' (employee) is a term usually used by management or from an organizational perspective (e.g., 'Unsere Firma hat 100 Mitarbeiter'). 'Kollege' is a peer-to-peer term. You would not typically call yourself a 'Kollege' of your company; you are a 'Mitarbeiter' of the company, and your peers are your 'Kollegen'.

Wir sind Kollegen im selben Team.

Avoiding these common mistakes will make your German sound much more natural and professional.
There are several words in German that are similar to 'Kollege' in meaning, but they each have distinct nuances and specific contexts in which they are appropriate. The most closely related word is 'der Mitarbeiter' (employee/staff member). While 'Kollege' emphasizes the peer relationship between coworkers, 'Mitarbeiter' emphasizes the relationship between the individual and the employing organization.

Er ist ein geschätzter Mitarbeiter unseres Unternehmens.

Mitarbeiter
Employee; used from an organizational or management perspective.
Another related term is 'der Angestellte' (the employee/white-collar worker). This is a legal and administrative term referring to someone who is employed on a salary basis, distinguishing them from 'Arbeiter' (blue-collar workers) or 'Beamte' (civil servants).

Die Angestellten fordern eine Gehaltserhöhung.

Angestellter
Salaried employee; a formal, administrative term.
In more specific contexts, you might encounter words like 'der Kamerad' (comrade/companion). This word is rarely used in modern corporate environments but is common in the military, fire departments, or traditional associations.

Er ist ein treuer Kamerad bei der Feuerwehr.

Kamerad
Comrade; used in military, rescue services, or historical contexts.
'Der Partner' (partner) is another word that can overlap with 'Kollege', especially in law firms, consulting agencies, or business ventures where individuals share ownership or high-level collaboration.

Sie ist Partnerin in einer großen Anwaltskanzlei.

Finally, for school or university settings, while 'Studienkollege' is used, you will also frequently hear 'der Kommilitone' (fellow student at a university) or 'der Mitschüler' (classmate at a school).

Meine Kommilitonen und ich lernen für die Prüfung.

Understanding these synonyms and their subtle differences allows you to choose the most precise and appropriate word for any given situation, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in the German language.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

n-Deklination (Weak Nouns)

Dative Prepositions (mit dem Kollegen)

Gender of Nouns (der Kollege vs. die Kollegin)

Plural Formation (die Kollegen)

Genitive Case for Possession (das Büro des Kollegen)

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Exemplos por nível

1

Das ist mein Kollege.

This is my colleague.

Nominative singular, masculine.

2

Er ist ein guter Kollege.

He is a good colleague.

Nominative singular with indefinite article.

3

Wo ist der Kollege?

Where is the colleague?

Question using the nominative case.

4

Meine Kollegen sind nett.

My colleagues are nice.

Plural form 'Kollegen'.

5

Ist das dein Kollege?

Is that your colleague?

Possessive pronoun 'dein' in nominative.

6

Der Kollege arbeitet viel.

The colleague works a lot.

Subject of the sentence.

7

Hallo, Kollegen!

Hello, colleagues!

Plural used as a greeting.

8

Das ist eine Kollegin.

This is a female colleague.

Feminine form 'Kollegin'.

1

Ich sehe den Kollegen.

I see the colleague.

Accusative case, requires '-n' ending (n-Deklination).

2

Ich spreche mit meinem Kollegen.

I am talking to my colleague.

Dative case after preposition 'mit', requires '-n'.

3

Wir arbeiten mit neuen Kollegen.

We are working with new colleagues.

Dative plural.

4

Hast du den Kollegen gefragt?

Did you ask the colleague?

Accusative case in a perfect tense question.

5

Das ist für meinen Kollegen.

This is for my colleague.

Accusative case after preposition 'für'.

6

Mein Kollege kommt aus Berlin.

My colleague comes from Berlin.

Nominative subject.

7

Ich rufe den Kollegen an.

I am calling the colleague.

Accusative object with separable verb.

8

Die Kollegen gehen in die Pause.

The colleagues are going on break.

Plural subject.

1

Das ist der Schreibtisch des neuen Kollegen.

That is the new colleague's desk.

Genitive case, requires '-n' ending.

2

Ich habe mich bei meinem Kollegen entschuldigt.

I apologized to my colleague.

Reflexive verb with dative preposition 'bei'.

3

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, das Meeting beginnt.

Dear colleagues, the meeting is starting.

Standard formal greeting including both genders.

4

Er ist nicht nur ein Kollege, sondern auch ein Freund.

He is not just a colleague, but also a friend.

Using 'nicht nur... sondern auch' conjunction.

5

Wir müssen den Kollegen über die Änderung informieren.

We need to inform the colleague about the change.

Accusative object with modal verb.

6

Die Zusammenarbeit mit den Kollegen macht Spaß.

Working together with the colleagues is fun.

Noun phrase with dative plural.

7

Ein ehemaliger Kollege hat mir diesen Job empfohlen.

A former colleague recommended this job to me.

Adjective ending in nominative.

8

Ich vertraue meinem Kollegen blind.

I trust my colleague blindly.

Dative object required by the verb 'vertrauen'.

1

Aus kollegialer Solidarität habe ich seine Schicht übernommen.

Out of collegial solidarity, I took over his shift.

Adjective 'kollegial' derived from the noun.

2

Das Verhalten des Kollegen wurde vom Betriebsrat kritisiert.

The colleague's behavior was criticized by the works council.

Passive voice with genitive attribute.

3

Es ist wichtig, ein professionelles Verhältnis zu den Kollegen zu pflegen.

It is important to maintain a professional relationship with colleagues.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

4

Trotz Meinungsverschiedenheiten schätze ich ihn als Kollegen sehr.

Despite differences of opinion, I value him highly as a colleague.

Accusative case after 'als'.

5

Die Einarbeitung des neuen Kollegen nimmt viel Zeit in Anspruch.

The onboarding of the new colleague takes up a lot of time.

Genitive case in a complex noun phrase.

6

Er hat sich gegenüber seinen Kollegen unangebracht verhalten.

He behaved inappropriately towards his colleagues.

Dative plural after the postposition 'gegenüber'.

7

Wir verabschieden heute einen langjährigen Kollegen in den Ruhestand.

Today we are bidding farewell to a long-standing colleague into retirement.

Accusative object with compound adjective.

8

Die Fluktuation unter den Kollegen ist in letzter Zeit gestiegen.

The turnover among colleagues has increased recently.

Dative plural after the preposition 'unter'.

1

In Anbetracht der Umstände hat der Kollege äußerst besonnen reagiert.

Considering the circumstances, the colleague reacted extremely prudently.

Complex sentence structure with prepositional phrase.

2

Die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit der Kollegen erwies sich als überaus fruchtbar.

The interdisciplinary collaboration of the colleagues proved to be exceedingly fruitful.

Genitive plural in a formal academic register.

3

Er neigt dazu, die Kompetenzen seiner Kollegen systematisch zu unterschätzen.

He tends to systematically underestimate the competencies of his colleagues.

Infinitive clause with genitive attribute.

4

Der Antrag wurde mit den Stimmen der anwesenden Kollegen einstimmig angenommen.

The motion was passed unanimously with the votes of the present colleagues.

Passive voice with prepositional phrase and genitive.

5

Es obliegt dem jeweiligen Kollegen, die Richtlinien strikt zu befolgen.

It is incumbent upon the respective colleague to strictly follow the guidelines.

Dative object with the formal verb 'obliegen'.

6

Die ständige Nörgelei des Kollegen vergiftet das gesamte Betriebsklima.

The constant complaining of the colleague poisons the entire working atmosphere.

Strong vocabulary ('vergiftet') with genitive subject attribute.

7

Wir bitten die Kolleginnen und Kollegen um umgehende Kenntnisnahme.

We ask the colleagues to take immediate note.

Highly formal administrative register.

8

Sein Ausscheiden hinterlässt eine Lücke, die von den verbleibenden Kollegen kaum zu füllen ist.

His departure leaves a gap that can hardly be filled by the remaining colleagues.

Relative clause with passive infinitive construction ('zu füllen ist').

1

Die subtile Demütigung des Kollegen im Beisein des Vorstands zeugte von mangelnder Führungskompetenz.

The subtle humiliation of the colleague in the presence of the board testified to a lack of leadership skills.

Highly complex nominal style typical of C2.

2

Es bedarf eines Höchstmaßes an Empathie, um die Befindlichkeiten der Kollegen adäquat zu moderieren.

It requires a maximum of empathy to adequately moderate the sensitivities of the colleagues.

Genitive object after 'bedürfen' and complex infinitive clause.

3

Der Terminus 'Kollege' impliziert im hiesigen soziokulturellen Kontext eine professionelle Distanz, die im angelsächsischen Raum oft nivelliert wird.

The term 'colleague' implies in the local sociocultural context a professional distance that is often leveled in the Anglo-Saxon sphere.

Academic discourse analyzing the word itself.

4

Er stilisierte sich gern als primus inter pares unter seinen Kollegen.

He liked to stylize himself as first among equals among his colleagues.

Use of Latin phrase and reflexive verb in a literary context.

5

Die Loyalität gegenüber dem Kollegenkreis kollidierte unweigerlich mit den Direktiven der Geschäftsführung.

The loyalty towards the circle of colleagues inevitably collided with the directives of the management.

Abstract nouns and complex prepositional phrases.

6

In der Retrospektive erwies sich die Skepsis des Kollegen als geradezu prophetisch.

In retrospect, the colleague's skepticism proved to be downright prophetic.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('Retrospektive', 'prophetisch').

7

Man darf dem Kollegen nicht absprechen, dass er stets nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen gehandelt hat.

One cannot deny the colleague that he always acted to the best of his knowledge and belief.

Idiomatic expression ('nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen') with dative object.

8

Die dialektische Auseinandersetzung mit den Thesen des Kollegen führte zu einem Paradigmenwechsel im Institut.

The dialectical engagement with the colleague's theses led to a paradigm shift in the institute.

Highly academic vocabulary ('dialektisch', 'Paradigmenwechsel').

Colocações comuns

ein netter Kollege
ein neuer Kollege
ein ehemaliger Kollege
die lieben Kollegen
mit einem Kollegen sprechen
einen Kollegen fragen
das Verhältnis zu den Kollegen
Kollegen und Kolleginnen
ein geschätzter Kollege
unter Kollegen

Frases Comuns

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen
Das ist mein Kollege.
Ich frage mal die Kollegen.
Wir sind nur Kollegen.
Grüße an die Kollegen.
Ein Kollege von mir...
Unter Kollegen hilft man sich.
Mein Kollege ist heute krank.
Ich bespreche das mit meinem Kollegen.
Danke, Kollege!

Frequentemente confundido com

Kollege vs Mitarbeiter (Employee - focuses on the relationship to the company, not peer-to-peer)

Kollege vs College (English word for university, false friend)

Kollege vs Freund (Friend - German colleagues are rarely called friends unless a close personal bond exists)

Expressões idiomáticas

"Kollegenschwein (derogatory: a colleague who behaves unfairly)"
"unter Kollegen (between colleagues/confidentially)"
"ein kollegiales Verhältnis (a collegial relationship)"
"sich kollegial verhalten (to behave collegially)"
"Kollegenrabatt (discount for colleagues)"
"Hey Kollege! (slang: Hey buddy/watch it!)"
"Kollegenschelte (criticism of colleagues)"
"Kollegenkreis (circle of colleagues)"
"Kollegenklatsch (office gossip)"
"wie ein guter Kollege (like a good colleague)"

Fácil de confundir

Kollege vs

Kollege vs

Kollege vs

Kollege vs

Kollege vs

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

note

While 'Kollege' is the standard translation for 'colleague', be aware of the false friend 'College' (university). Never say 'Ich gehe ans Kollege' to mean 'I go to college'.

Erros comuns
  • Forgetting the '-n' ending in accusative, dative, and genitive cases (e.g., saying 'für mein Kollege' instead of 'für meinen Kollegen').
  • Using 'Kollege' to refer to a university or college (false friend).
  • Using the masculine 'Kollege' to refer to a female coworker instead of 'Kollegin'.
  • Confusing 'Kollege' (peer) with 'Mitarbeiter' (employee) in the wrong context.
  • Using 'Kollege' as a friendly greeting for strangers on the street, which can sound aggressive in German.

Dicas

Watch the N-Declension

Always remember that 'Kollege' is a weak noun. This means it needs an '-n' ending in the accusative, dative, and genitive cases. If it is not the subject of the sentence, add the '-n'. For example: 'Ich helfe dem Kollegen' (dative).

Beware the False Friend

Never use 'Kollege' to mean 'college' or 'university'. This is a classic mistake for English speakers. If you want to talk about higher education, use 'die Universität' or 'die Uni'. 'Kollege' only means coworker.

Professional Boundaries

In Germany, a 'Kollege' is not automatically a friend. Keep professional boundaries in mind. Use 'Sie' (formal you) with new colleagues until the 'Du' is explicitly offered, usually by the older or more senior person.

Use the Feminine Form

If your coworker is a woman, you must use 'die Kollegin'. Do not call a female coworker 'mein Kollege'. In plural, use 'Kolleginnen und Kollegen' to be polite and inclusive in formal settings.

Pronounce the Final E

Make sure to clearly pronounce the 'e' at the end of 'Kollege' in the nominative case. It sounds like a short 'uh' sound (schwa). Don't drop it, or it might sound like you are trying to say the plural 'Kollegen' poorly.

Email Greetings

When writing to your team, 'Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen' is the gold standard. It is polite, professional, and inclusive. Memorize this phrase for your German business correspondence.

Avoid Street Slang

You might hear people say 'Hey Kollege!' on the street to a stranger. This is often confrontational. Avoid using the word this way, as it can easily cause misunderstandings or offend someone.

Kollege vs. Mitarbeiter

Use 'Kollege' when talking about your peers. Use 'Mitarbeiter' when talking about employees from a management perspective. You are a 'Mitarbeiter' of the company, but a 'Kollege' to your team members.

Be Specific

Germans love compound words. Use them to be precise. Say 'Arbeitskollege' for work, 'Vereinskollege' for a club, or 'Bürokollege' for someone who shares your exact office space.

The 'N' Rule

Create a mental image to remember the grammar. Picture your male coworker wearing a shirt with a giant letter 'N' on it. Every time you do something TO him (accusative) or WITH him (dative), you see the 'N'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a COLLEGE where everyone is your CO-WORKER. But remember, in German, Kollege means coworker, not the school!

Origem da palavra

Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin 'collega' (partner in office), from 'com-' (together) + 'legare' (to depute/send).

Contexto cultural

Calling a stranger 'Kollege' on the street is often considered rude or aggressive, similar to 'Listen here, buddy'.

The generic masculine 'die Kollegen' is being replaced by 'Kolleginnen und Kollegen' or 'Kolleg*innen' in modern corporate communication.

German workplaces value clear boundaries. 'Kollege' implies respect but not necessarily intimacy.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"Wie verstehen Sie sich mit Ihren Kollegen?"

"Haben Sie nette Kollegen in Ihrem neuen Job?"

"Was macht einen guten Kollegen aus?"

"Treffen Sie Ihre Kollegen auch nach der Arbeit?"

"Wie viele Kollegen arbeiten in Ihrer Abteilung?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe deinen Lieblingskollegen oder deine Lieblingskollegin.

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Kollegen und einem Freund?

Erzähle von einem Konflikt mit einem Kollegen und wie du ihn gelöst hast.

Wie wichtig ist Kollegialität am Arbeitsplatz für dich?

Schreibe eine fiktive E-Mail an deine Kollegen, um sie zu einer Feier einzuladen.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, this is a very common false friend for English speakers. 'Kollege' exclusively means a colleague or coworker. If you want to say 'college' or 'university', you should use 'die Universität' (or 'die Uni') or 'die Hochschule'. The German word 'das College' exists but refers only to the specific Anglo-American school system. Never use 'Kollege' to talk about your education.

This happens because 'Kollege' is a weak noun, which follows the n-declension. In German, weak masculine nouns take an '-n' or '-en' ending in all cases except the nominative singular. So, if you say 'I see the colleague' (accusative), it becomes 'Ich sehe den Kollegen'. It looks like the plural, but the article 'den' tells you it is singular.

No, 'Kollege' is strictly masculine and refers to a male coworker. If you are talking about a female coworker, you must use the feminine form, which is 'die Kollegin'. If you are talking about a mixed group of male and female coworkers, you can use the plural 'die Kollegen', though 'die Kolleginnen und Kollegen' is preferred today for inclusivity.

'Kollege' emphasizes the peer-to-peer relationship; it is someone you work alongside. 'Mitarbeiter' translates to 'employee' and emphasizes the relationship between the person and the company or management. You would call the person sitting next to you your 'Kollege'. The boss would call both of you 'Mitarbeiter' of the company.

Generally, no. In colloquial German, addressing a stranger as 'Kollege' (e.g., 'Hey Kollege!') is often perceived as overly familiar, condescending, or even aggressive. It is similar to saying 'Watch it, buddy!' in English. It is best to reserve the word strictly for actual coworkers in a professional setting.

If you are writing a formal email to a group of coworkers, the standard and polite greeting is 'Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen'. If the company culture is very casual, you might just write 'Hallo zusammen' or 'Liebe Kollegen'. However, using both the feminine and masculine forms is the safest and most respectful choice in modern German business communication.

The n-declension is a grammatical rule applying to certain masculine nouns, including 'Kollege'. It means that the noun gets an extra '-n' at the end in the accusative, dative, and genitive cases. You only use the base form 'Kollege' when it is the subject of the sentence (nominative). This is a crucial rule to memorize to sound fluent.

In a strict sense, students do not have 'Kollegen' because they are not working a job. Fellow students at a university are called 'Kommilitonen', and classmates at a school are 'Mitschüler'. However, the compound word 'Studienkollege' is sometimes used to refer to a fellow student, though it is less common than 'Kommilitone'.

Usually, no. German culture maintains a relatively strict boundary between professional life and private life. A 'Kollege' is a professional associate. While you might be very friendly with them, you would not call them a 'Freund' (friend) unless you also spend significant private time together outside of work and have offered the informal 'Du'.

'Kollegialität' is the noun form of the adjective 'kollegial'. It translates to 'collegiality' or team spirit. It refers to the cooperative, supportive, and respectful behavior expected among colleagues in a workplace. Showing 'Kollegialität' means helping out a coworker when they are stressed or covering for them when they are sick.

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