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
der Imperator
emperor
In a figurative or fictional sense, a ruler with unrestricted, absolute power, often with an authoritarian or imperial connotation.
EXAMPLE
In dem Science-Fiction-Film herrscht ein grausamer Imperator über die gesamte Galaxie.
In the science fiction film, a cruel emperor rules over the entire galaxy.
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
Both der Kaiser and der Imperator can refer to a ruler of an empire. Kaiser is the usual general term, while Imperator particularly emphasizes the Roman, military-oriented title or a historical effect. In a general text, Kaiser is appropriate; in a Roman context, Imperator is often used.
Imperator
Der Imperator kehrte nach dem militärischen Sieg nach Rom zurück.
The emperor returned to Rome after the military victory.
Kaiser
Der Kaiser regierte das Reich von seiner Hauptstadt aus.
The emperor ruled the empire from his capital.
In real life
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