Kanzler
/ˈkan(t)sləʁ/masculine
The German word for chancellor is Kanzler. Wiktionary also lists Bundeskanzler and Bundeskanzlerin.
Meaning: head of government in some German-speaking countries (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kanzler | /ˈkan(t)sləʁ/ | masculine |
| Bundeskanzler | /ˈbʊndəsˌkant͡slɐ/ | masculine |
| Bundeskanzlerin | /ˈbʊndəsˌkant͡sləʁɪn/ | feminine |
| Kanzlerin | /ˈkantsləʁɪn/ | feminine |
| Reichskanzler | /ˈʁaɪ̯çsˌkantslɐ/ | masculine |
| Reichskanzlerin | feminine, historical |
The term refers to the head of government in certain German-speaking countries. While Kanzler can be used in a general sense, the specific title for the head of government of the Federal Republic of Germany is Bundeskanzler.
Which one should you use?
Kanzler is a general term for a chancellor, whereas Bundeskanzler is the specific title for the German head of government. Reichskanzler is used specifically in a historical context to refer to the chancellors of the German Empire or the German Reich.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the noun is created by adding the suffix -in to the masculine stem, such as in Kanzlerin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkan(t)sləʁ/
Did you know?
- The German word for 'chancellor' is etymologically linked to the word for a small lattice or screen, derived from the Latin 'cancellus'. This reflects the scribe's historical position behind a desk or partition.
- The title Kanzler originally referred to a high-ranking administrative official rather than a political leader. It was only later in history that the term shifted to describe the head of a government.
- The term Bundeskanzler contains the word 'Bund', which means 'federation'. This emphasizes that the leader heads a federal system rather than a single centralized state.
Examples in context
- Der Kanzler kommt nach dem Parlamentspräsidenten.The chancellor comes after the president of the parliament.This sentence illustrates the hierarchy of political roles using Kanzler.Tatoeba #3968843 by Esperantostern, translation #3970777 by coynejeremy
- Angela Merkel ist der erste weibliche deutsche Bundeskanzler.Angela Merkel is the first female German chancellor.This sentence uses Bundeskanzler to refer to a female head of government.Tatoeba #6150650 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4985900 by Hybrid
- Konrad Adenauer war der erste Kanzler der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.Konrad Adenauer was the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.This sentence uses Kanzler in a historical context regarding the Federal Republic of Germany.Tatoeba #570738 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #570740 by CN
- Angela Merkel war eine bedeutende Kanzlerin.Angela Merkel was a significant chancellor.
- Helmut Kohl war ein bekannter deutscher Bundeskanzler.Helmut Kohl was a well-known German federal chancellor.
- Angela Merkel ist eine beeindruckende Kanzlerin.Angela Merkel is an impressive chancellor.
- Der alte Kanzler hat gute Arbeit geleistet.The old chancellor did a great job.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing a news report about a political election.
- LukasWer wird der nächste Kanzler?Who will be the next chancellor?
- JuliaDas weiß ich leider nicht.Unfortunately, I don't know.
- LukasDer Kanzler hat viel Macht.The chancellor has a lot of power.
- JuliaJa, das stimmt genau.Yes, that is exactly right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chancellor” translations and entries Kanzler, Bundeskanzler, Bundeskanzlerin, Kanzlerin, Reichskanzler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bundeskanzler, Bundeskanzlerin, Kanzler, Kanzlerin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
