canton
Loading your saved state.
canton
A member state of the Swiss Confederation. Switzerland is federally divided into 26 cantons.
Der Kanton Graubünden ist der einzige dreisprachige Kanton der Schweiz.
The canton of Graubünden is the only trilingual canton in Switzerland.
The geographic association helps you understand the meaning. If 'Kanton' (canton) is mentioned in connection with Switzerland or Swiss cities, it means a member state. In connection with France or Belgium, it refers to a smaller administrative unit.
Der Kanton Genf liegt im Westen der Schweiz.
The canton of Geneva is in western Switzerland.
A 'Kanton' (canton) is a member state of the Swiss Confederation and has its own constitution, government, and laws. Knowing this term is central to understanding Switzerland's political system.
Die Schweiz besteht aus 26 Kantonen.
Switzerland consists of 26 cantons.
To describe a place within a canton, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative. Movement into a canton is expressed with 'in' and the accusative.
Luzern liegt im Kanton Luzern.
Lucerne is in the canton of Lucerne.
municipality / community
'Gemeinde' and 'Kanton' both belong to the language of administration and territory. A 'Gemeinde' is usually a town or village with its own administration. A 'Kanton', on the other hand, is a larger administrative unit, especially in Switzerland. There, a canton consists of many municipalities. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to political areas. In practice: for a place with a town hall and local administration, you are more likely to say 'Gemeinde'. For Switzerland or a larger regional level, you say 'Kanton'.
Im Kanton Zürich gelten ab Montag neue Regeln für die Schulen.
In the canton of Zurich, new rules for schools will apply from Monday.
Die Gemeinde öffnet heute das neue Bürgerbüro.
The municipality is opening the new citizens' office today.