Meister means 'master' in German. The word is akin to maestro. In sports, Meister is used for the current national, European or world champion. During the Second World War, Meister was the highest enlisted rank of the German Ordnungspolizei. Many modern-day German police forces also use the title of Meister. 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.
Professional degree
In Germany and Austria, the wordMeister also assigns a title and public degree in the field of vocational education. The German Meister title qualifies the holder to study at a University or Fachhochschule, whether the Meister holds the regular entry qualification or not. In 2012, the commissions of the states and the federal government, as well as the associated partners, concluded that the Meisterbrief is equivalent to a bachelor's degree. The Master craftsman is the highest professional qualification in crafts and is a state-approved grade. The education includes theoretical and practical training in the craft and also business and legal training, and includes the qualification to be allowed to train apprentices as well. The status of Master craftsman is regulated in the German Gesetz zur Ordnung des Handwerks, HwO. To become a master craftsman usually requires vocational training in the specific crafts in which the examination should be taken. In addition to attaining the journeyman degree, until 2004 the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code did furthermore require practical experience of 3 years as a journeyman. In the German field of Meister education, specialised training courses for the Meisterprüfung can be followed. The duration of the courses can take 1 to 2 years. The examination includes theoretical, practical and oral parts and takes 5 to 7 days. In some crafts, the creation of a masterpiece is also part of the examination.
Etymology
Meister is derived from the Greek word "μήστωρ", the Latin word "magister", the German "meister" from Old High German "meistar", and the Yiddish "mayster".
