Council of Ministers
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Council of Ministers
A government body made up of the ministers of a state or country that meets under the chairmanship of the head of government; the cabinet.
Der Ministerrat hat heute über das neue Bildungsgesetz beraten.
The Council of Ministers discussed the new education law today.
The word is clearly composed of 'der Minister' (the minister), the linking -s, and 'der Rat' (the council). So it literally means 'a council consisting of ministers'.
Der Ministerrat tritt wöchentlich zusammen.
The Council of Ministers meets weekly.
'Ministerrat' (Council of Ministers) is a formal term from politics and administration. You find it in the news, laws, and official documents.
Die Beschlüsse des Ministerrates werden morgen veröffentlicht.
The decisions of the Council of Ministers will be published tomorrow.
The exact meaning depends heavily on the geographical or historical context. If people are talking about the EU, it refers to the Council of the European Union. In a historical context about East Germany, it refers to the government of the GDR. In Austria, it is the term for the federal government.
Der österreichische Ministerrat hat neue Maßnahmen beschlossen.
The Austrian Council of Ministers has adopted new measures.
government
'die Regierung' and 'der Ministerrat' can both refer to the political leadership of a state or country. 'die Regierung' is the more general word and fits many normal situations. 'der Ministerrat' is more specific: it means a body made up of ministers, often led by the head of government. In certain contexts, it is also an official name, for example for the Council of the European Union or in the history of the GDR. Learners may confuse the words because a council of ministers can be part of a government or even count as a government body. In everyday language, 'Regierung' is usually more natural; 'Ministerrat' fits when this exact body is meant.
Der Ministerrat berät heute über den Vorschlag des Finanzministers.
The Council of Ministers is discussing the finance minister's proposal today.
Die Regierung will im Sommer über neue Regeln für Mieten sprechen.
The government wants to discuss new rules for rents in the summer.