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.
head of government
The Regierungschef leads the government and directs its affairs. The Staatsoberhaupt stands at the head of the state and represents it domestically and internationally. Depending on the country, these two roles may be held by different people.
Als Staatsoberhaupt vertritt der Präsident das Land bei dem offiziellen Besuch.
As head of state, the president represents the country during the official visit.
Als Regierungschef leitet der Premierminister die Regierungsgeschäfte des Landes.
As head of government, the prime minister leads the country's government affairs.
