duke
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duke
A high noble title for the ruler of a duchy, ranking above a count and below a king.
Im Mittelalter herrschte der Herzog über ein großes und einflussreiches Gebiet.
In the Middle Ages, the duke ruled over a large and influential territory.
The 'Herzog' (duke) was originally a leader in war. The word is composed of 'Heer' (old form for army) and a form of the verb 'ziehen' (to pull/move, in the sense of leading).
Der Herzog führte seine Soldaten in die Schlacht.
The duke led his soldiers into battle.
This word also includes the feminine form 'die Herzogin' (duchess) and the territory ruled by a duke, 'das Herzogtum' (duchy). These words form a word family around the noble title.
Die Herzogin von Cambridge ist weltweit bekannt.
The Duchess of Cambridge is known worldwide.
The title 'Herzog' (duke) is used today mainly in historical texts, fairy tales, or in connection with European noble families. In modern everyday German life, it no longer plays a political role.
In dem Buch geht es um das Leben eines Herzogs im 18. Jahrhundert.
The book is about the life of a duke in the 18th century.
king
'der König' and 'der Herzog' both refer to men with noble titles. They can therefore be easy to confuse, especially in stories or historical texts. The important difference is rank. A king stands at the head of a monarchy and rules over a kingdom. A duke is also a high-ranking nobleman, but he ranks below a king and rules over a duchy. If you mean the highest ruler of a country, 'König' is correct. If you mean a high but lower noble title, 'Herzog' fits.
Der Herzog lebte mit seiner Familie in einem alten Schloss am Fluss.
The duke lived with his family in an old castle by the river.
Der König empfing die Gäste im großen Saal des Schlosses.
The king received the guests in the great hall of the palace.