executive
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executive branch
The executive power in a state, responsible for implementing laws. This includes the government, administration, and police.
Die Polizei ist ein Organ der Exekutive.
The police are an organ of the executive branch.
The word 'Exekutive' (executive) is derived from the verb 'exekutieren' (to execute), which means 'ausführen' (to carry out) or 'vollstrecken' (to enforce). So the executive is literally the 'ausführende Gewalt' (executive power) in the state.
Die Regierung und die Polizei sind Teil der Exekutive.
The government and the police are part of the executive branch.
You can tell from context whether state authority or corporate management is meant. Words like 'Staat' (state), 'Gesetze' (laws), or 'Polizei' (police) point to the political meaning, while 'Unternehmen' (company), 'Konzern' (corporation), or 'Management' (management) indicate the business meaning.
Die Exekutive muss die neuen Gesetze umsetzen.
The executive branch must implement the new laws.
'Exekutive' (executive) is a formal term from the language of politics and business. In everyday conversation, the word is rarely used.
In den Nachrichten wurde über eine Entscheidung der Exekutive berichtet.
The news reported on a decision by the executive branch.
In a political context, 'Exekutive' (executive branch) is often used in fixed combinations. Typical phrases are 'Organ der Exekutive' (organ of the executive branch), 'die Exekutive kontrollieren' (to oversee the executive branch), or 'zur Exekutive gehören' (to belong to the executive branch).
Das Parlament hat die Aufgabe, die Exekutive zu kontrollieren.
Parliament has the task of overseeing the executive branch.
government
'die Regierung' and 'die Exekutive' both have to do with executive power in the state. 'die Regierung' means the political leadership, for example ministers. 'die Exekutive' is a more technical and broader term: besides the government, it also includes the administration and the police, because they implement laws. Learners may confuse the words because the government is part of the executive branch. In everyday language and the news, people often say 'Regierung'; in politics or in class, 'Exekutive' is more precise when talking about state power.
Im Politikunterricht erklärt die Lehrerin die Aufgaben der Exekutive.
In civics class, the teacher explains the tasks of the executive branch.
Die Regierung kündigt neue Maßnahmen gegen die Krise an.
The government is announcing new measures to address the crisis.