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.
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.
consultant / advisor
'der Berater' and 'der Geheimrat' can both refer to a person who gives advice to others. 'Berater' is the normal modern word for someone who helps professionally in a specialized field. 'Geheimrat', on the other hand, is a historical title for a high-ranking adviser or official, especially in old German monarchies. In everyday language today, people almost always say 'Berater'. 'Geheimrat' mainly fits when talking about history, old titles, or historical texts.
Im Museum liest Anna einen Brief von einem Geheimrat aus dem 19. Jahrhundert.
In the museum, Anna reads a letter from a privy councillor from the 19th century.
Für die Planung des Hauses haben sie heute mit einem Berater gesprochen.
For the planning of the house, they spoke with a consultant today.