01
der Imperator
emperor
The title of the highest military commander and later ruler in the Roman Empire. It refers to the Roman emperor.
example
Augustus war der erste römische Imperator.
Augustus was the first Roman emperor.
der Imperator
emperor
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Imperator' (emperor) depends strongly on the context. In connection with the Roman Empire, history, or Latin, it means the Roman emperor. In science fiction or fantasy, it is a fictional, all-powerful ruler.
EXAMPLE
Der römische Imperator Hadrian ließ eine berühmte Mauer bauen.
The Roman emperor Hadrian had a famous wall built.
Register and style
'Imperator' (emperor) is a very formal word with a historical or literary flavor. It is not used for modern political leaders and has a strong connotation of absolute power and an empire.
EXAMPLE
Der Begriff „Imperator“ vermittelt ein Bild von unbegrenzter Macht.
The term 'Imperator' conveys an image of unlimited power.
Word family
The word 'Imperator' (emperor) comes from Latin and is the root of other words related to power and rule, such as 'Imperium' (empire) or 'imperial' (imperial).
EXAMPLE
Der Imperator herrschte über ein riesiges galaktisches Imperium.
The emperor ruled over a huge galactic empire.
Compare with
Imperator vs Kaiser
emperor / Kaiser roll
'der Kaiser' and 'der Imperator' can both mean a very powerful ruler. In German, 'der Kaiser' is the normal title for the ruler of an empire and ranks above a king. 'der Imperator' is especially suitable for the Roman Empire or for stories in which a ruler has almost absolute power. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with powerful rule. In everyday language and in history, people usually say 'Kaiser'; when talking about Rome or fictional worlds, 'Imperator' sounds more precise or more dramatic.
Imperator
Im Geschichtsunterricht liest Samir einen Text über den römischen Imperator.
In history class, Samir reads a text about the Roman emperor.
Kaiser
Der Kaiser regierte ein großes Reich und lebte in einem prächtigen Palast.
The emperor ruled a large empire and lived in a magnificent palace.
In real life
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