lead candidate
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lead candidate
The leading person on a political party's electoral list who, if the party wins the election, usually aims for the highest government office (e.g., federal chancellor or state premier).
Der Spitzenkandidat der Partei stellte im Fernsehen sein Wahlprogramm vor.
The party's lead candidate presented his election platform on television.
This word is made up of 'Spitze' (top/lead), the linking element '-n-,' and 'Kandidat' (candidate). 'Die Spitze' here means 'the leadership' or 'the top position.' A 'Spitzenkandidat' is therefore literally the candidate at the top.
Die Partei hat ihren Spitzenkandidaten für die Wahl nominiert.
The party nominated its lead candidate for the election.
The word element 'Spitzen-' is often used to describe something as top-class or leading. If you recognize this pattern, you will also understand other words such as 'Spitzensportler' (top athlete), 'Spitzenleistung' (top performance), or 'Spitzenposition' (top position).
Er ist ein Spitzensportler und hat viele Medaillen gewonnen.
He is a top athlete and has won many medals.
This term is used almost exclusively in a political context, especially in elections. It refers to the person who is aiming for the highest office for a party.
Die Spitzenkandidaten der großen Parteien trafen sich zu einer Fernsehdebatte.
The lead candidates of the major parties met for a televised debate.
chancellor candidate
In a federal election, the same person can be both a Spitzenkandidat and a Kanzlerkandidat. Spitzenkandidat emphasizes the person’s leading role in the election campaign, while Kanzlerkandidat explicitly refers to being nominated for the office of Federal Chancellor. Choose the word according to whether you mean the leading position or the office being sought.
Als Spitzenkandidat führt sie die Partei im Wahlkampf an.
As the lead candidate, she is leading the party in the election campaign.
Die Partei hat ihn als Kanzlerkandidaten für die Bundestagswahl aufgestellt.
The party nominated him as its chancellor candidate for the federal election.
