senator
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senator
A member of a senate, which in many political systems functions as a legislative chamber (e.g., in the USA) or as the government of a city-state (e.g., in Hamburg).
Der Senator aus Kalifornien hielt eine Rede zur neuen Umweltpolitik.
The senator from California gave a speech on the new environmental policy.
To specify where a senator comes from or whom they represent, German usually uses the preposition 'aus' with the dative or the genitive.
Ein Senator aus Hamburg hat den Gesetzesentwurf kritisiert.
A senator from Hamburg criticized the draft law.
In Germany, 'Senator' (senator) is the title for a member of government in the city-states of Hamburg, Bremen, and Berlin. Internationally, the term is especially known for members of the U.S. Senate.
Die Hamburger Bildungssenatorin stellte die neuen Pläne für die Schulen vor.
The Hamburg senator for education presented the new plans for the schools.
When 'Senator' (senator) is used in a historical context, it almost always refers to members of the Senate in ancient Rome. Words such as 'römisch' (Roman), 'antike' (ancient), or names like 'Cicero' are clear clues.
Ein römischer Senator zu werden, war die höchste Ehre für einen Politiker.
Becoming a Roman senator was the highest honor for a politician.
minister
'der Minister' and 'der Senator' both refer to important people in politics. The difference lies in the political system and in the role. A minister belongs to a government and is responsible for a specific ministry. A senator is a member of a senate. This can be a legislative chamber, for example in the USA, or in some city-states also part of the government. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like high political offices. 'Minister' is more natural when it is about a ministry, and 'Senator' when a senate is explicitly meant.
Der Senator aus Hamburg spricht im Rathaus über die Wohnungspolitik.
The senator from Hamburg speaks at city hall about housing policy.
Die Journalisten fragen den Minister nach den neuen Regeln.
The journalists ask the minister about the new rules.