top politician
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top politician
A very influential politician who holds a leading position in a party, a parliamentary group, or the government.
Die Spitzenpolitiker der Koalition trafen sich zu einer Krisensitzung im Kanzleramt.
The top politicians of the coalition met for a crisis meeting at the Chancellor's Office.
The word is made up of 'Spitzen-' and 'Politiker' (politician). The part 'Spitzen-' comes from 'die Spitze' (the top/highest point) and here means 'leading' or 'standing at the top.'
Der Kanzler ist einer der wichtigsten Spitzenpolitiker des Landes.
The chancellor is one of the country's most important top politicians.
The word part 'Spitzen-' is very productive and can be combined with many nouns to express a leading role or the highest quality. Examples include 'Spitzensportler' (top athlete), 'Spitzenkandidat' (lead candidate), or 'Spitzenforschung' (cutting-edge research).
Die Konferenz brachte Spitzenpolitiker und Spitzenforscher zusammen.
The conference brought together top politicians and leading researchers.
A top politician's affiliation is often indicated with the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from) in order to name the party or government.
Die Spitzenpolitiker der Regierungsparteien einigten sich auf einen Kompromiss.
The top politicians of the governing parties agreed on a compromise.
head of government
'der Regierungschef' and 'der Spitzenpolitiker' both refer to people with a lot of political influence. The difference lies in the office. A 'Regierungschef' is officially at the head of a government and leads it. A 'Spitzenpolitiker' is more general: he or she may have a leading role in a party, in parliament, or in the government. A 'Regierungschef' is usually also a 'Spitzenpolitiker', but a 'Spitzenpolitiker' is not necessarily a 'Regierungschef'. The words can be confused because they are both used for very important politicians. When the exact government function is meant, 'Regierungschef' is correct. When only the high political position is meant, 'Spitzenpolitiker' fits.
Die Spitzenpolitikerin ihrer Partei spricht oft im Fernsehen über die Wirtschaft.
The top politician from her party often speaks on television about the economy.
Morgen trifft der Regierungschef Vertreter aus mehreren Ländern.
Tomorrow the head of government will meet representatives from several countries.