regency
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regency
The temporary rule by a person (a regent) on behalf of a monarch who is still too young, ill, or absent.
Während der Minderjährigkeit des Königs übernahm seine Mutter die Regentschaft.
During the king's minority, his mother took over the regency.
The word ends in '-schaft'. This ending forms an abstract noun from a noun (here: 'der Regent' (the regent)) that describes a state or an institution, similar to 'Freundschaft' (friendship) or 'Botschaft' (message/embassy).
Die Regentschaft dauerte nur wenige Jahre.
The regency lasted only a few years.
'Regentschaft' (regency) belongs to the word family around 'regieren' (to govern/rule). The 'Regent' (regent) is the person who rules, and the 'Regentschaft' (regency) is the period or act of this rule.
Der Regent führte die Regierungsgeschäfte während der Krankheit des Königs.
The regent handled government affairs during the king's illness.
This noun is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'die Regentschaft übernehmen' (to take over the regency), 'die Regentschaft führen' (to conduct/hold the regency), or 'die Regentschaft antreten' (to assume the regency).
Nach dem Tod des Kaisers trat sein Bruder die Regentschaft an.
After the emperor's death, his brother assumed the regency.
government
'die Regierung' and 'die Regentschaft' both have to do with political rule. 'die Regierung' usually means the group of people who lead a country politically, or governing in general. 'die Regentschaft' is much more specific: one person rules on behalf of a monarch, for example because the monarch is still too young or is ill. The words can be confused because both sound like political leadership. In modern everyday language and in the news, 'die Regierung' is usually correct. 'die Regentschaft' is mainly used for monarchies and historical contexts.
Während der Regentschaft seiner Mutter war der junge König noch ein Kind.
During his mother's regency, the young king was still a child.
Die Regierung beschließt neue Regeln für den Verkehr.
The government is adopting new rules for traffic.