Reply #9: I am a German teacher, so may I add my two cents? [View All]

[Dzimbowicz]

The word "der Führer" has several definitions depending on context. First, it means the leader, then on to other definitions such as: director or manager. There are other related definitions which I will not go into here. Concerning another post in this thread about driving: the word for a driver's license in traditional German is "der Führerschein", or literally a certificate to direct (or manage) a vehicle.
I used to attend a university which was located in the former East Germany and leaned that all of the traditional German compound words which had "Führer" as a component had been purged from the language under the Socialist government to distance themselves from the Nazis. For example, "der Führerschein" became "die Fahrerlaubnis" or literally the permission to drive. Although many of my "Wessi" friends (and Austrians) scoffed at the East German actions with the language, I must say that I like what the East Germans did; that, however, is just my opinion.

However, during the Nazi era, Hitler used the term "der Führer" to describe himself as "the (all-encompassing) leader"; believe it or not, he was actually copying Mussolini (il Duce). So, to answer the question concerning "could be 'the father'"; yes, Hitler did put forth the image of himself being the father, but in the true definition of the word (IMO) it cannot mean father, but could imply that.

I hope I have been of some assistance.