province
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the provinces
All areas of a country that lie outside the capital and other large, important cities. The term can have a derogatory meaning and suggest a lack of cosmopolitanism.
Nach vielen Jahren in der Großstadt ist sie wieder in die Provinz gezogen.
After many years in the big city, she moved back to the provinces.
province
A larger administrative unit within a state, comparable to a federal state. This term is used for the divisions of many countries such as Canada, Italy, or China.
Die kanadische Provinz Alberta ist bekannt für ihre Nationalparks.
The Canadian province of Alberta is known for its national parks.
The meaning of 'Provinz' depends on the context. If it refers to a specific country, e.g. 'die kanadische Provinz' (the Canadian province), it is a neutral administrative unit. If it is used generally, it often means, in a derogatory way, 'not the big city'.
Die Provinz Québec ist der französischsprachige Teil Kanadas.
The province of Québec is the French-speaking part of Canada.
When 'die Provinz' is used generally for areas outside major cities, the word often has a negative connotation. It can suggest boredom, a lack of culture, or narrow-mindedness. The related adjective is 'provinziell' (provincial).
Sie wollte nicht ihr ganzes Leben in der Provinz verbringen.
She didn't want to spend her whole life in the provinces.
In the general meaning, 'Provinz' is almost always used with the preposition 'in'. You live 'in der Provinz' (in the provinces; dative) or move 'in die Provinz' (to the provinces; accusative).
Seine Eltern leben immer noch in der Provinz.
His parents still live in the provinces.
country / countryside / land
Land refers to the rural area outside cities and is usually neutral. Provinz also includes smaller towns far from major centers and can suggest a lack of cosmopolitanism. Land is suitable for nature and agriculture; Provinz is more appropriate for a remote region that may be viewed negatively.
Nach vielen Jahren in der Hauptstadt zog sie in die Provinz und vermisste das kulturelle Angebot.
After many years in the capital, she moved to the provinces and missed the cultural offerings.
Nach vielen Jahren in der Großstadt zog sie aufs Land und bewirtschaftete einen kleinen Hof.
After many years in the big city, she moved to the countryside and ran a small farm.
