chancellor
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chancellor
The head of government in Germany or Austria. The official title is Bundeskanzler or Bundeskanzlerin (Federal Chancellor).
Der Kanzler hält heute eine wichtige Rede im Bundestag.
The chancellor is giving an important speech in the Bundestag today.
In everyday politics and in the news, the short form 'der Kanzler' (the chancellor) is almost always used. The official, full title 'der Bundeskanzler' (the Federal Chancellor) is heard less often, for example on formal occasions or in official documents.
Der Kanzler reist morgen nach Brüssel.
The chancellor is traveling to Brussels tomorrow.
The word 'Kanzler' (chancellor) is closely related to 'die Kanzlei' (chancery / office). A Kanzlei was originally the writing office or administrative authority of a ruler. The chancellor was therefore the head of this important institution.
Der Kanzler leitet die Regierungsgeschäfte von der Kanzlei aus.
The chancellor directs government affairs from the chancellery.
In a political context, 'der Kanzler' (the chancellor) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical examples are: 'den Kanzler wählen' (to elect the chancellor), 'zum Kanzler ernennen' (to appoint someone chancellor), or 'als Kanzler zurücktreten' (to resign as chancellor).
Das Parlament wählt heute den neuen Kanzler.
Parliament is electing the new chancellor today.
You can recognize the historical meaning from the context. If 'Mittelalter' (Middle Ages), 'König' (king), or 'Universität' (university) is mentioned, it usually refers to the historical official and not the modern head of government.
Der Kanzler der Universität ist für die Verwaltung zuständig.
The university chancellor is responsible for administration.
president
'der Präsident' and 'der Kanzler' can both refer to very important people in a state in political texts. However, they have different roles. 'der Präsident' is the head of state in a republic. 'der Kanzler' is the head of government in Germany or Austria and leads the government. The words can be confused because both often appear in news about politics. A simple guide is: the president stands for the head of state, while the chancellor runs the business of government.
Der Kanzler trifft sich heute mit mehreren Ministern im Kanzleramt.
The chancellor is meeting with several ministers at the Chancellery today.
Im Urlaub sehen wir im Fernsehen eine Rede des Präsidenten.
On vacation, we see a speech by the president on television.