privy councillor
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privy councillor
A historical title for a high-ranking adviser or official in a government, especially in the German monarchies up to the 20th century.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe trug den Titel eines Geheimen Rates am Hofe von Weimar.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe held the title of Privy Councillor at the court of Weimar.
apple variety
A specific apple variety named after the breeder Geheimrat Dr. Oldenburg.
Im Herbst ernten wir immer die Äpfel der Sorte 'Geheimrat Dr. Oldenburg'.
In autumn, we always harvest the apples of the 'Geheimrat Dr. Oldenburg' variety.
The word is made up of 'geheim' (secret) and 'Rat' (council/adviser). A 'Geheimrat' (privy councillor) was therefore literally an adviser who took part in the ruler's secret or confidential meetings.
Als Mitglied des geheimen Rates hatte er großen Einfluss auf die Politik.
As a member of the privy council, he had great influence on politics.
The context tells you whether the person or the apple variety is meant. If the topic is history, politics, or literature (e.g., Goethe), it refers to the official. If the topic is fruit, gardening, or food, it refers to the apple variety.
Der Minister wurde zum Geheimrat ernannt.
The minister was appointed privy councillor.
The title 'Geheimrat' (privy councillor) is historical and is no longer conferred today in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. It is firmly associated with the era of the monarchies.
Im Museum gab es ein Porträt eines preußischen Geheimrats aus dem 19. Jahrhundert.
In the museum, there was a portrait of a Prussian privy councillor from the 19th century.
government council / government councillor
Both words can refer to a senior official title in a governmental context. Regierungsrat is the official title of a civil servant in the higher service in Germany and Austria. Geheimrat, by contrast, is a historical title for a high-ranking adviser or official, especially in German monarchies.
Der hohe Berater trug in der deutschen Monarchie den historischen Titel Geheimrat.
In the German monarchy, the high-ranking adviser held the historical title Geheimrat.
Der Beamte wurde im höheren Dienst zum Regierungsrat ernannt.
The official was appointed to the rank of senior civil servant.
