regent
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regent
A person who exercises rule on behalf of a monarch because the monarch is underage, ill, or absent.
Während der König im Krieg war, führte sein Bruder als Regent die Regierungsgeschäfte.
While the king was at war, his brother conducted the affairs of government as regent.
ruler
In elevated or poetic language, a ruler or ruling power in general.
Der Löwe gilt als der Regent der Tierwelt.
The lion is considered the ruler of the animal kingdom.
'Der Regent' (the regent) is closely related to the verb 'regieren' (to govern/rule). A regent is therefore a person who rules, usually on behalf of the actual ruler.
Der Prinz musste lernen, wie man ein Land regiert, bevor er Regent wurde.
The prince had to learn how to govern a country before he became regent.
In its political meaning, 'Regent' (regent) is often used with the preposition 'als' to describe the person's function or role. Typical phrases are 'als Regent herrschen' (to rule as regent) or 'jemanden als Regenten einsetzen' (to appoint someone as regent).
Der Onkel des jungen Königs herrschte zehn Jahre lang als Regent.
The young king's uncle ruled as regent for ten years.
You can recognize the poetic meaning by the fact that it usually refers to animals or forces of nature that are portrayed as 'rulers' of their domain. By contrast, the literal meaning always refers to a person in a government.
Der Adler wird oft als der Regent der Lüfte bezeichnet.
The eagle is often called the ruler of the skies.
ruler
Both words can refer to a person who governs. “Herrscher” generally means someone who personally exercises the highest power, whereas “Regent” normally governs on behalf of a monarch, for example because the monarch is underage or absent. Use “Regent” only when this role as a substitute is part of the meaning.
Weil der König noch minderjährig war, regierte sein Onkel als Regent.
Because the king was still underage, his uncle ruled as regent.
Der König war der alleinige Herrscher des Landes und entschied über alle wichtigen Fragen.
The king was the country's sole ruler and decided all important matters.
