great power
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great power
A state that, due to its military, economic, and political strength, exerts significant international influence and is able to shape global events.
Im 19. Jahrhundert galt Großbritannien als führende Großmacht der Welt.
In the 19th century, Great Britain was considered the world's leading great power.
The word is made up of 'groß' (great/large) and 'die Macht' (power). So it literally describes a state with 'great power.'
China gilt heute als wirtschaftliche Großmacht.
China is considered an economic great power today.
Common verbs used with 'Großmacht' (great power) describe status: 'als Großmacht gelten' (to be considered a great power), 'zur Großmacht aufsteigen' (to rise to become a great power), or 'den Status als Großmacht verlieren' (to lose the status of a great power).
Das Land stieg im 20. Jahrhundert zur politischen Großmacht auf.
The country rose to become a political great power in the 20th century.
To specify the type of power, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'politische' (political), 'wirtschaftliche' (economic), or 'militärische' (military): Großmacht (great power).
Die USA sind eine militärische Großmacht.
The United States is a military great power.
empire
'das Imperium' and 'die Großmacht' both have to do with political power and major influence. 'Imperium' means a large empire that rules over many territories or peoples. 'Großmacht' means a powerful state that has a lot of international influence, for example through its economy, politics, or military. A great power does not have to be an empire and does not have to rule directly over other territories. The words can be confused because both describe powerful states. 'Imperium' fits better when talking about rule over a large empire, while 'Großmacht' fits better when talking about influence in world politics.
Nach dem Krieg wurde das Land zu einer wichtigen Großmacht.
After the war, the country became an important great power.
Das Imperium baute Straßen, um seine weit entfernten Provinzen besser zu kontrollieren.
The empire built roads in order to control its distant provinces more effectively.