interior minister
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interior minister
The member of a government who is responsible for a state's internal affairs, especially public security and order.
Der Innenminister gab eine Pressekonferenz zur aktuellen Sicherheitslage im Land.
The interior minister gave a press conference on the current security situation in the country.
'Innenminister' (interior minister) is a compound word made up of 'innen' (inside/internal) and 'Minister' (minister). It literally refers to the minister responsible for the internal affairs of a country or federal state.
Der Innenminister ist für die Polizei zuständig.
The interior minister is responsible for the police.
The word follows a pattern for naming members of government. Other examples are 'Außenminister' (foreign minister, for foreign affairs), 'Finanzminister' (finance minister, for finances), or 'Verteidigungsminister' (defense minister, for defense).
Der Finanzminister hat den neuen Haushaltsplan vorgestellt.
The finance minister presented the new budget plan.
To describe a minister's responsibility, the phrase 'zuständig sein für' + accusative (to be responsible for) is often used. The country or federal state is usually also added as an adjective.
Der Bundesinnenminister ist für den Schutz der Verfassung zuständig.
The federal interior minister is responsible for the protection of the constitution.
foreign minister
'der Außenminister' and 'der Innenminister' are both members of a government, but they are responsible for different areas. The foreign minister deals with relations with other countries and with foreign policy. The interior minister deals with the state's internal affairs, especially security and order within the country. The words can be confused because they are built in a similar way and both refer to political offices. The simple guide is: 'außen' means other countries, while 'innen' means one's own country.
Im Parlament erklärt der Innenminister die neuen Regeln für die Polizei.
In parliament, the interior minister explains the new rules for the police.
Der Außenminister reist nach Paris, weil er dort mit anderen Regierungen spricht.
The foreign minister is traveling to Paris because he is speaking with other governments there.