authorities
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authorities
Refers collectively to the state, official, or church institutions that exercise power over citizens. The term is often used to describe the government or administration from the perspective of a subject or citizen, and today it often has a slightly old-fashioned or critical undertone.
Die Dorfbewohner legten sich aus Protest gegen die neuen Steuern mit der Obrigkeit an.
The villagers challenged the authorities in protest against the new taxes.
The word 'Obrigkeit' (authorities) is derived from the adjective 'ober' (upper/higher). So it literally refers to 'die Oberen' (those above) or the institutions that stand above ordinary citizens.
Historisch gesehen musste man den Anweisungen der Obrigkeit Folge leisten.
Historically, people had to follow the instructions of the authorities.
'Obrigkeit' (authorities) is not a neutral word for 'Regierung' (government). It has an old-fashioned or critical sound and is often used to express a distant or submissive relationship to power.
In seinen Schriften kritisierte er die Willkür der Obrigkeit.
In his writings, he criticized the arbitrariness of the authorities.
'Obrigkeit' (authorities) is a collective term and is used almost exclusively in the singular. One speaks of 'der Obrigkeit' (the authorities) as a whole, not of individual 'Obrigkeiten' (authorities).
Der Respekt vor der Obrigkeit hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten abgenommen.
Respect for the authorities has decreased in recent decades.
Common verbs used with 'Obrigkeit' (authorities) describe a relationship to it. Typical phrases are 'sich der Obrigkeit widersetzen' (to resist the authorities), 'sich mit der Obrigkeit anlegen' (to challenge the authorities), or 'die Obrigkeit fürchten' (to fear the authorities).
Er war bekannt dafür, sich der Obrigkeit zu widersetzen.
He was known for resisting the authorities.
government
'die Regierung' and 'die Obrigkeit' can both refer to people or institutions that have power over citizens. 'Die Regierung' is a neutral and normal word for the political leadership of a country. 'Die Obrigkeit' sounds rather old-fashioned or critical today. It describes state, official, or even church institutions from the perspective of the people who have to obey them. The words can be confused because the government can be part of the authorities. When speaking objectively about politics, you usually use 'Regierung'. When you want to express distance, criticism, or an old power relationship, 'Obrigkeit' is more appropriate.
Im Dorf vertrauten viele Menschen der Obrigkeit nicht mehr.
In the village, many people no longer trusted the authorities.
Die Regierung hat nach der Krise schnelle Hilfe versprochen.
After the crisis, the government promised quick help.