dominance / supremacy
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dominance / supremacy
The superior power, dominant influence, or leading position of a person, group, state, or idea over others.
Nach dem Krieg kämpften die beiden Supermächte um die weltweite Vorherrschaft.
After the war, the two superpowers fought for worldwide supremacy.
The word is composed of 'vor-' (before, over), the verb 'herrschen' (to rule), and the ending '-schaft', which describes a state. So it literally means the state of 'ruling over others'.
Die Partei kämpfte um die politische Vorherrschaft im Land.
The party fought for political dominance in the country.
'Vorherrschaft' (dominance, supremacy) is a formal word used mainly in written language, in the news, political debates, or historical texts. It is rather rare in everyday conversation.
Der Artikel analysiert die wirtschaftliche Vorherrschaft globaler Konzerne.
The article analyzes the economic dominance of global corporations.
Common verbs used with 'Vorherrschaft' (dominance, supremacy) are 'haben' (to have), 'erlangen' (to attain), 'sichern' (to secure), or 'kämpfen um' (to fight for). The type of dominance is often specified by adjectives such as 'politisch' (political), 'wirtschaftlich' (economic), or 'kulturell' (cultural).
Das Unternehmen will seine technologische Vorherrschaft sichern.
The company wants to secure its technological dominance.
To express over what or over whom dominance is exercised, you use the preposition 'über' with the accusative.
Das Römische Reich hatte die Vorherrschaft über den gesamten Mittelmeerraum.
The Roman Empire had supremacy over the entire Mediterranean region.
rule / control
'die Herrschaft' and 'die Vorherrschaft' both have to do with power. 'Herrschaft' means that someone rules over or exercises control over a country, a people, or a territory. 'Vorherrschaft', on the other hand, emphasizes that someone or something is stronger than others and has a leading position. This leadership does not always have to be direct government. The words can be confused because both sound like political power. When it is about actual governing, 'Herrschaft' fits better. When it is about the strongest position compared with others, 'Vorherrschaft' is more precise.
In dieser Branche kämpfen mehrere Firmen um die Vorherrschaft.
Several companies are fighting for dominance in this industry.
Die Herrschaft des Kaisers endete nach einem langen Krieg.
The emperor's rule ended after a long war.