head of state
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head of state
The highest-ranking person in a state, who represents it both domestically and internationally. Depending on the form of government, this may be a president, a monarch, or another person with representative duties.
Das Staatsoberhaupt empfing den ausländischen Botschafter zum Antrittsbesuch.
The head of state received the foreign ambassador for an inaugural visit.
The word is made up of 'Staat' (state), the linking -s, and 'Oberhaupt' (head/leader). 'Oberhaupt' itself consists of 'ober-' (upper/above) and 'Haupt' (head). So literally, it is the 'top head of the state'.
Der Bundespräsident ist das Staatsoberhaupt von Deutschland.
The Federal President is the head of state of Germany.
'Staatsoberhaupt' (head of state) is a very formal, official term. You mainly find it in news, political texts, and legal contexts. In everyday language, people usually use the specific title, such as 'der Präsident' (the president) or 'die Königin' (the queen).
Die Zeitung berichtete über den Besuch des Staatsoberhauptes.
The newspaper reported on the visit of the head of state.
'Staatsoberhaupt' (head of state) is used with verbs that describe official, representative actions. Typical examples include 'ein Staatsoberhaupt empfängt' (a head of state receives), 'repräsentiert' (represents), 'ernennt' (appoints), or 'reist' (travels).
Das Staatsoberhaupt repräsentiert das Land im Ausland.
The head of state represents the country abroad.
president
'der Präsident' and 'das Staatsoberhaupt' can both refer to the highest-ranking person in a state. 'der Präsident' fits especially well for a republic. 'das Staatsoberhaupt' is more general: it can be a president, but also a king, queen, or another person. In news or political texts, 'Staatsoberhaupt' often sounds more neutral and precise when the form of government is not important. 'Präsident' is more concrete when you know that it is about a republic.
Das Staatsoberhaupt empfängt die Gäste aus dem Ausland.
The head of state receives the guests from abroad.
Nach der Wahl spricht der Präsident zu den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern.
After the election, the president addresses the citizens.