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.
'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.
king
'der König' and 'der Regent' can both have to do with rule in a monarchy. 'König' is the actual title of a male monarch. 'Regent' usually means a person who rules on someone else's behalf, for example because the king is still too young, ill, or not in the country. In elevated language, 'Regent' can also mean 'ruler' in general. This is why confusion can occur. In normal texts, the important point is: the king has the title; the regent often exercises rule only for someone else.
Bis der junge Prinz alt genug war, regierte ein Regent das Land.
Until the young prince was old enough, a regent ruled the country.
Der König unterschrieb das neue Gesetz im Palast.
The king signed the new law in the palace.