term of office
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term of office
The legally or statutorily defined period of time for which a person holds a public office or an official function.
Die Amtszeit des Bürgermeisters endet im nächsten Frühjahr.
The mayor’s term of office ends next spring.
'Die Amtszeit' (term of office) is a compound noun made up of 'das Amt' (an official position) and 'die Zeit' (time). So it literally describes the time during which someone holds an office.
Er bewirbt sich um das Amt des Schatzmeisters.
He is applying for the office of treasurer.
Common phrases are 'eine Amtszeit beginnt' (a term of office begins) or 'endet' (ends). People also talk about doing something 'während seiner/ihrer Amtszeit' (during his/her term of office) or running 'für eine weitere Amtszeit' (for another term of office).
Während seiner ersten Amtszeit wurden viele neue Gesetze verabschiedet.
During his first term of office, many new laws were passed.
This word is used almost exclusively in the context of politics and official functions. It refers to people such as presidents, chancellors, mayors, or board members.
Die Kanzlerin wurde für eine vierte Amtszeit wiedergewählt.
The chancellor was reelected for a fourth term of office.
office / agency
'das Amt' and 'die Amtszeit' can both mean the time during which someone holds an official function. 'die Amtszeit' names this period directly and clearly. In this context, 'das Amt' can also point to the time spent in the role, especially in phrases like 'im Amt sein' (to be in office) or 'nach Jahren im Amt' (after years in office). But it can also mean the position itself or a public office or agency. That is why it can be confusing. If you want to speak clearly about the duration, 'Amtszeit' is more precise.
Ihre Amtszeit endet im nächsten Frühjahr.
Her term of office ends next spring.
Nach acht Jahren im Amt tritt der Präsident zurück.
After eight years in office, the president is stepping down.