der Dienstherr
Translation
employer (in public service), employing authority, master
Examples
Der Staat ist der Dienstherr der Beamten.
The state is the employer of civil servants.
Der Beamte muss seinem Dienstherrn treu dienen.
The civil servant must serve his employer faithfully.
Grammar Patterns
j-m ((als Dienstherr)) dienen to serve (sb.dat) as employer The civil servant serves the state as his employer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Arbeitgeber (general employer), Vorgesetzter (superior)
Etymology
Composed of 'Dienst' (service) and 'Herr' (master, lord). Literally the 'master of the service'.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'Lord of Service' – the entity (like the state) that employs public servants.