Hauptstadt
/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌʃtat/
The German word for capital (in a political sense) is Hauptstadt.
Hauptstadt is used to describe the chief city of a state or nation, which serves as the seat of the government.
Meaning: chief (in a political sense, as being the seat of the general government of a state or nation) (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Hauptstadt is a compound noun made of Haupt (meaning main or head) and Stadt (meaning city), which literally translates to "main city".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Hauptstadt is Hauptstädte. When using the feminine noun in the genitive case to indicate possession (for example, "of the capital"), it becomes der Hauptstadt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌʃtat/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which uses 'capital' for both money and cities, German uses two completely different words: Hauptstadt for the city and Kapital for financial assets.
- The word Haupt is a cognate of the English word 'head', though the similarity was hidden as English evolved into 'head' while German kept the 'p' sound.
- While Hauptstadt is the political capital, German uses the word Residenzstadt to describe a city that was the seat of a monarch's court.
Examples in context
- Jedes Land hat eine Hauptstadt.Every country has a capital city.This sentence shows that every country possesses a Hauptstadt.Tatoeba #5517214 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5516971 by Hybrid
- Die Hauptstadt Japans ist Tokio.The capital of Japan is Tokyo.This sentence identifies Tokyo as the Hauptstadt of Japan.Tatoeba #532299 by Manfredo, translation #281408 by CK
- Rom ist die Hauptstadt der Welt.Rome is the capital of the world.This sentence uses Hauptstadt in a metaphorical context regarding Rome.Tatoeba #753300 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #753307 by timur_seber
- Berlin ist die Hauptstadt von DeutschlandBerlin is the capital of Germany
- Er hat seinen Kapitalanteil investiertHe has invested his capital stake
- Gib mir etwas von der KneteGive me some of the money
- Paris ist die Hauptstadt von Frankreich und ein beliebtes ReisezielParis is the capital of France and a popular travel destination
- 471 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are talking about a trip to France.
- LukasBesuchen wir in Frankreich auch die Hauptstadt?Are we also visiting the capital in France?
- JuliaJa, wir fahren natürlich nach Paris.Yes, of course we are going to Paris.
- LukasIch wollte schon immer in die Hauptstadt.I have always wanted to go to the capital.
- JuliaDas wird ein tolles Abenteuer, Lukas.That will be a great adventure, Lukas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Hauptstadt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
