magistrate / city government
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city government
In some German federal states (e.g. Hesse) and historically, the term for the city government or city council as a collegial body that leads the administration of a city.
Der Magistrat der Stadt Frankfurt hat die neuen Bauprojekte genehmigt.
The city government of Frankfurt approved the new construction projects.
city hall
The building in which the city government (the Magistrat) has its offices; the town hall or city hall.
Die öffentliche Sitzung findet morgen um 10 Uhr im Magistrat statt.
The public meeting will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the city hall.
magistrate
In ancient Rome, a high official who held a public office with judicial and executive powers.
Im alten Rom war ein Magistrat eine Person von hohem Ansehen und großer Macht.
In ancient Rome, a magistrate was a person of high standing and great power.
Careful: 'der Magistrat' is not a judge like the English 'magistrate'. In German, it usually refers to the city government as a body, not to an individual judicial person.
Der Magistrat der Stadt hat über den neuen Bebauungsplan entschieden.
The city government decided on the new development plan.
You can tell from the context whether the city government (the body) or the building (the town hall/city hall) is meant. Actions are carried out by the body, while location references point to the building.
Der Magistrat hat die neuen Regeln beschlossen.
The city government passed the new rules.
The term 'Magistrat' (city government) for the city administration is not common throughout all of Germany. It is used especially in Hesse and in city-states such as Berlin and Bremen.
In Hessen wird der Bürgermeister vom Magistrat unterstützt.
In Hesse, the mayor is supported by the city government.
When 'Magistraten' (magistrates) appears in the plural or in connection with antiquity, it refers to high officials in the Roman Empire. Watch for signal words such as 'römisch' (Roman) or 'im alten Rom' (in ancient Rome).
Die römischen Magistrate hatten sowohl richterliche als auch militärische Aufgaben.
The Roman magistrates had both judicial and military duties.
town hall
Das Rathaus is the general term for a city’s central administrative building. Magistrat can also refer to this building, but in this meaning it is regional or historical in character. In general modern usage, Rathaus is therefore usually the better choice.
Auf dem historischen Stadtplan ist der Magistrat deutlich markiert.
The city hall is clearly marked on the historical city map.
Auf dem aktuellen Stadtplan ist das Rathaus deutlich markiert.
The town hall is clearly marked on the current city map.
