The highest authority responsible for education and culture in a German federal state. The exact responsibilities can vary depending on the state and may also include science and the arts.
example
Das bayerische Kultusministerium ist für die Schulen im Freistaat verantwortlich.
The Bavarian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is responsible for schools in the Free State.
Usage tips
Political context
In Germany, education is a matter for the federal states. Each federal state therefore has its own 'Kultusministerium' (Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs). For this reason, there is no single 'German' Kultusministerium at the federal level.
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidungen des Kultusministeriums in Hessen gelten nicht für Schulen in Nordrhein-Westfalen.
The decisions of the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs in Hesse do not apply to schools in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Compound word
The word is made up of 'der Kultus' (here in the sense of education and culture) and 'das Ministerium' (ministry). So it is the ministry responsible for culture and education.
EXAMPLE
Das Kultusministerium legt die Termine für die Schulferien fest.
The Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs sets the dates for school holidays.
The component 'Kultus'
The word component 'Kultus' is rare today. It derives from the Latin 'cultus' and here means 'the cultivation of intellectual and cultural goods', that is, education, art, and culture. It has nothing to do with a religious cult.
EXAMPLE
Die Zuständigkeit des Kultusministeriums umfasst oft Schulen, Theater und Museen.
The responsibilities of the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs often include schools, theaters, and museums.
Compare with
confusable
Kultusministerium vs Kultusminister
minister of education
'Kultusminister' and 'Kultusministerium' belong to the same area: education and culture in a German federal state. The 'Kultusminister' is a person, the responsible minister. The 'Kultusministerium' is the government department where many people work and which prepares or implements decisions. The words are easy to confuse because they look almost the same. Remember: '-minister' is the person, '-ministerium' is the institution.
Kultusministerium
Auf der Webseite des Kultusministeriums finden Eltern die aktuellen Informationen.
Parents can find the latest information on the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs website.
Kultusminister
Der Kultusminister kündigt neue Regeln für die Schulen an.
The minister of education announces new rules for the schools.