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German Phrase

Ich sage meinem Chef Bescheid.

/ɪç ˈzaːɡə ˈmaɪ̯nəm ˈʃɛf bəˈʃaɪ̯t/
Meaning"I let my boss know."
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Meaning

Literally, "I say notice to my boss," which idiomatically means "I let my boss know" or "I inform my boss about something." It is used when you have passed on information or an update to your superior.

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When to use

Use this sentence in a workplace setting after you have completed a task, received new information, or need to tell your boss about a change. It works both in spoken conversation and in short written messages like emails or Slack.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchsagemeinemChefBescheid

1

sagen (1st pers. sing.)

The verb "sagen" is conjugated as "sage" for "ich" in the present tense.

2

Dativ with masculine nouns

"Chef" is masculine; after "sagen" it takes the dative case, so "mein" becomes "meinem".

3

"Bescheid" as a noun

"Bescheid" means "information/notice" and is used in the fixed expression "jemandem Bescheid sagen" (to inform someone).

4

Alternative: "Bescheid geben"

More common is the phrase "jemandem Bescheid geben"; both mean the same, but "geben" sounds slightly more formal.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du das Meeting mit der Marketing‑Abteilung verschoben?

Did you postpone the meeting with the marketing department?

Ja, ich sage meinem Chef Bescheid.

Yes, I’ll let my boss know.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich sage meinen Chef Bescheid.

    After "sagen" the person receiving the information must be in the dative case, not accusative.

  • Ich sage mein Chef Bescheid.

    The article must be declined to the dative form "meinem".

  • Ich sage meinem Chef Bescheid geben.

    Do not combine "sagen" and "geben"; choose one expression: either "sagen ... Bescheid" or "Bescheid geben".

↔Alternatives

  • Ich informiere meinen Chef.

    I inform my boss.

  • Ich gebe meinem Chef Bescheid.

    I give my boss notice.

  • Ich teile meinem Chef mit.

    I tell my boss.

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Cultural Tip

In German business culture it is considered polite to keep your superior updated, especially about deadlines or schedule changes. "Bescheid geben" is the most idiomatic way to say "to inform"; using "sagen … Bescheid" is perfectly correct but sounds a bit more casual. Remember to use the dative case after "sagen" – "meinem Chef," not "mein Chef."