head of state
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head of state
The person who holds the highest office in a state and represents it externally, for example a president or a monarch.
Die Staatschefs der G7-Länder trafen sich zu einem Gipfel in den Alpen.
The heads of state of the G7 countries met for a summit in the Alps.
The word is composed of 'der Staat' (the state) and 'der Chef' (the boss/chief). The 's' between them is a linking -s, which connects the two words. It literally means 'Chef des Staates' (chief of the state).
Der Staatschef repräsentiert sein Land bei internationalen Anlässen.
The head of state represents his country at international events.
'Staatschef' (head of state) is often combined with verbs from politics and diplomacy. Typical phrases are 'Staatschefs treffen sich' (heads of state meet), 'ein Staatschef besucht ein Land' (a head of state visits a country), or 'ein Staatschef hält eine Ansprache' (a head of state gives an address).
Die beiden Staatschefs unterzeichneten ein wichtiges Abkommen.
The two heads of state signed an important agreement.
The term 'Staatschef' (head of state) refers to the formal head of state who represents the state. This can be a president or a monarch and is not always identical with the head of government, who exercises political power.
In Deutschland ist der Bundespräsident der Staatschef, nicht der Bundeskanzler.
In Germany, the Federal President is the head of state, not the Federal Chancellor.
president
'der Präsident' and 'der Staatschef' can both refer to the most important person at the head of a state. 'der Präsident' is more concrete and fits especially for republics. 'der Staatschef' is more general: a head of state can be a president, but also a monarch. The words can be confused because you often hear both in the news for high-ranking political figures. If the exact office title is important, you say 'Präsident'. If you are speaking generally about the leading person of a state, 'Staatschef' fits well.
Der Staatschef reist nächste Woche zu Gesprächen nach Paris.
The head of state is traveling to Paris next week for talks.
Ich lese gerade einen Artikel über den neuen Präsidenten.
I'm currently reading an article about the new president.