prince
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prince
A nobleman who rules as a sovereign or partly sovereign ruler over a territory, a principality. In rank, he is below a king but above a count.
Der Fürst von Monaco ist das Staatsoberhaupt des Fürstentums.
The Prince of Monaco is the head of state of the principality.
magnate
In a figurative sense, a person who holds an outstanding and very influential position in a particular economic or social field.
Er galt als unangefochtener Medienfürst seiner Zeit.
He was considered the undisputed media magnate of his time.
The word 'Fürst' (prince) is closely related to the verb 'führen' (to lead). Historically speaking, the 'Fürst' was the 'leader' or the 'first' in a territory, which describes his role as ruler.
Der Fürst führte sein Volk durch schwere Zeiten.
The prince led his people through difficult times.
The title 'Fürst' (prince) is used today mainly in historical contexts or for the rulers of a few modern principalities such as Liechtenstein or Monaco. In general usage, it is rare.
Das Buch handelt von einem deutschen Fürsten im Mittelalter.
The book is about a German prince in the Middle Ages.
In its figurative meaning, 'Fürst' (magnate) is often used as part of compound nouns to describe a powerful person in a field. Typical examples are 'Medienfürst' (media magnate), 'Baufürst' (construction magnate), or 'Industriefürst' (industrial magnate).
Als einflussreicher Verleger galt er als der Medienfürst des Landes.
As an influential publisher, he was considered the country's media magnate.
You usually recognize the figurative meaning by its combination with an economic or social field. The literal meaning as a noble title often stands alone or with a geographic name, e.g. 'Fürst von ...' (Prince of ...).
Er war ein Fürst der Finanzwelt.
He was a magnate of the financial world.
prince
Prinz and Fürst are both male members of the nobility, but their positions are different. A Prinz primarily belongs to a royal or princely family, whereas a Fürst is described as a ruler over his own territory. Use Prinz for the family member and Fürst for the ruling nobleman.
Der Fürst regierte das kleine Gebiet viele Jahre lang.
The prince ruled the small territory for many years.
Der Prinz begrüßte gemeinsam mit seinen Eltern die Gäste im Palast.
The prince welcomed the guests at the palace together with his parents.
