Leiterin

Leiterin is a German noun that refers to a woman who leads or heads an organization, department, project, or team. It is the feminine form of Leiter, which denotes a leader, director, or person in charge. The term signifies female gender, while the masculine counterpart is Leiter. In neutral or inclusive language, broader terms such as Führungskraft or Leitung may be used.

Usage and scope: Leiterin can be used as a standalone descriptor when the role is clear, or as part of a compound job title, for example Teamleiterin, Abteilungsleiterin, Projektleiterin. The exact duties depend on the organization and position, but typical responsibilities include planning, organizing, coordinating activities, supervising staff, managing resources, and representing the unit in internal and external affairs.

Etymology and notes: The word is formed from Leiter (leader) with the feminine suffix -in. It should not be confused with die Leiter (ladder), which is a different noun; context clarifies meaning. In contemporary discourse, many organizations use gendered forms in titles, while others prefer gender-neutral wording.

Variants and related terms: Related gendered forms include Teamleiterin, Abteilungsleiterin, Bereichsleiterin; their masculine counterparts are Teamleiter, Abteilungsleiter. Depending on language policy, substitutes such as Führungskraft or Leitung may be used to avoid gender-specific endings.