der Thron
throne
The official, often magnificent seat of a monarch, used on ceremonial occasions.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Krönung nahm die neue Königin auf dem goldenen Thron Platz.
At the coronation, the new queen took her place on the golden throne.
der Thron
throne
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Thron
throne
In a figurative sense, the rule, power, and dignity of a monarch.
EXAMPLE
Der älteste Sohn des Königs war der rechtmäßige Anwärter auf den Thron.
The king's eldest son was the rightful claimant to the throne.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'entthronen' (to dethrone) is derived from the noun 'der Thron' (the throne). The prefix 'ent-' here means 'to take away'. To dethrone someone therefore means to take power, or the throne, away from them.
EXAMPLE
Die Revolutionäre wollten den König entthronen.
The revolutionaries wanted to dethrone the king.
Context clue: literal meaning
The literal meaning, that is, the chair, is often made clear by verbs of sitting ('auf dem Thron sitzen' — to sit on the throne) or by descriptive adjectives ('der goldene Thron' — the golden throne, 'ein prunkvoller Thron' — a magnificent throne).
EXAMPLE
Der König saß während der Zeremonie auf einem alten hölzernen Thron.
The king sat on an old wooden throne during the ceremony.
Context clue: figurative meaning
You can recognize the figurative meaning, that is, power, from verbs that describe a change of power. These include 'den Thron besteigen' (to ascend the throne), 'den Thron erben' (to inherit the throne), or 'jemanden vom Thron stoßen' (to knock someone off the throne).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Tod ihres Vaters bestieg die Prinzessin den Thron.
After her father's death, the princess ascended the throne.
Fixed expressions
In the figurative sense, there are many fixed expressions: 'Anspruch auf den Thron erheben' (to lay claim to the throne) or 'auf den Thron verzichten' (to voluntarily give up power).
EXAMPLE
Der kranke König musste auf den Thron verzichten.
The sick king had to give up the throne.
In real life
Loading video examples...