government council / government councillor
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cantonal government
In Switzerland, the term for the government (executive) of a canton.
Der Regierungsrat des Kantons Zürich hat neue Massnahmen beschlossen.
The government council of the Canton of Zurich has approved new measures.
The word is made up of 'Regierung' (government), the linking '-s-', and 'Rat' (council/councillor). 'Rat' can mean both a body (council) and a person (councillor), which explains the different meanings of the word.
Der Regierungsrat des Kantons Bern hat heute getagt.
The government council of the Canton of Bern met today.
The meaning of this word depends strongly on the region. In Switzerland, it refers to the government of a canton or to one of its members, while in Germany and Austria it is a title for a civil servant.
In der Schweiz wird der Regierungsrat alle vier Jahre vom Volk gewählt.
In Switzerland, the government council is elected by the people every four years.
When 'der Regierungsrat' is used in the singular without further context, in Switzerland it usually means the entire cantonal government as a body.
Der Regierungsrat hat das neue Gesetz verabschiedet.
The government council passed the new law.
In Switzerland, the context tells you whether the government (the body) or a member is meant. Verbs like 'wählen' (to elect) or the plural 'die Regierungsräte' (the government councillors) point to the person or persons.
Sie wurde als erste Frau in den Regierungsrat dieses Kantons gewählt.
She was elected as the first woman to the government council of this canton.
In Germany and Austria, 'Regierungsrat' is a formal official title in the civil service. You find this term mainly in official documents or in administrative contexts.
Sein offizieller Titel auf dem Briefkopf lautet Dr. Meier, Regierungsrat.
His official title on the letterhead is Dr. Meier, Regierungsrat.
government
'die Regierung' and 'der Regierungsrat' can both mean an executive body, that is, a political leadership. 'Die Regierung' is the general word for the leadership of a state or country. 'Der Regierungsrat' is more specific in Switzerland: it can mean the government of a canton or also an individual member of that cantonal government. That is why the words can be confused, especially when talking about Swiss politics. Outside this Swiss context, 'Regierung' is usually the correct and more general choice.
Der Regierungsrat des Kantons hat neue Regeln für die Schulen beschlossen.
The cantonal government has approved new rules for schools.
In den Nachrichten spricht man heute viel über die neue Regierung.
There is a lot of talk in the news today about the new government.