Meister

This article is about the loanword. For people whose family name is or was Meister, see Meister (surname). For The Transformer, see Jazz (Transformers).

Meister means master in German (as in master craftsman, or as an honorific title such as Meister Eckhart). The word is akin to maestro. Many modern day German police forces use the title Meister. During the Second World War, Meister was the highest enlisted rank of the Ordnungspolizei.

Meister has been borrowed into English slang, where it is used in compound nouns. A person referred to as “Meister” is one who has extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in his profession, business, or some other kind of work or activity. For example, a “puzzle-meister” would be someone highly skilled at solving puzzles. These neologisms sometimes have a sarcastic intent (for example, “stubble-meister” for someone with a short, neat beard or “crier-meister” for someone who often cries).

Etymology

Meister is derived from the Latin word "magister" (teacher).

In Germany and Austria, the word Meister is a title in the crafts guilds, in which workers go up in rank from a Geselle (journeyman) to become a "Meister" of their trade.

In popular culture

Movies

The character Stifler in American Pie refers to himself as "the Stif-meister." At one point in the movie, he says, "Let the Stif-meister handle it. 'Meister' means 'Master' in German."

The mayor in the 1970 animated movie Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town is called "Burgermeister Meisterburger."

Music

• "Der Meister" is the title of a song by the German band Rammstein.
• Meister is the alias used by Ryo Matsuithe for his solo work. Matsuithe gained prominence as a guitarist and songwriter for the Japanese pop rock band The Brilliant Green.

Anime/Manga

In the manga series Soul Eater, Meisters (職人, Shokunin, meaning "craftsman," "mechanic," "worker") are people who have exceptional soul wavelengths and are paired with weapons.

In the 2007 anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the pilots of the mobile suits are called Gundam Meisters.

In the manga series Ao no Exorcist, meisters are a rank of exorcists.

Automobile racing

Formula One driver Michael Schumacher is called Der Regenmeister (the rain master) due to his highly rated driving through low-visibility or wet conditions. The same term has also been applied to other race drivers.

See also

• Burgomaster
• Wachtmeister