foreign minister
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foreign minister
The female person who holds the office for a country's foreign affairs in a government and is responsible for relations with other states.
Die deutsche Außenministerin traf sich mit ihrem französischen Amtskollegen in Paris.
The German foreign minister met with her French counterpart in Paris.
The word is made up of 'außen' (outside/external) and 'Ministerin' (female minister). So it literally describes a minister who is responsible for matters 'outside' her own country, that is, for international relations.
Die Außenministerin ist für die Pflege der diplomatischen Beziehungen verantwortlich.
The foreign minister is responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations.
The component 'Außen-' (foreign/external) is also used in other political terms. Her area of work is 'Außenpolitik' (foreign policy), and her ministry is the 'Außenministerium' (foreign ministry).
Die Schwerpunkte der deutschen Außenpolitik werden regelmäßig diskutiert.
The priorities of German foreign policy are discussed regularly.
In connection with a foreign minister, verbs are often used that describe her diplomatic activities. These include, for example, 'reisen' (to travel), 'verhandeln' (to negotiate), 'ein Abkommen unterzeichnen' (to sign an agreement), or 'sich mit jemandem treffen' (to meet with someone).
Die Außenministerin verhandelte drei Tage lang über das neue Handelsabkommen.
The foreign minister negotiated the new trade agreement for three days.
