Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regierungsführung | feminine | |
| Regierungsgewalt | feminine | |
| Staatsführung | feminine | |
| Regentschaft | feminine | |
| Staatslenkung | feminine | |
| Amtsführung | feminine | |
| Unternehmensführung | [ʊntɐˈneːmənssˌfyːʁʊŋ] (narrow) | feminine |
The term governance can refer to the process, or the power, of governing. Government or administration. Control and monitoring. While Regierungsführung is a standard term for the manner of governing, other terms like Verwaltung (administration) can be used to express the concept of governance indirectly. For a more formal expression of authority, dominion or rule, one might use Herrschaft.
What does it mean word for word?
Regierungsführung is a compound of Regierung (government) and Führung (leadership/guidance).
Which one should you use?
Different German words are used depending on the specific context of governance: Regierungsgewalt refers specifically to the legal authority or power to govern, whereas Regierungsführung refers to the process or manner of governing. Unternehmensführung is used specifically for the governance or management of a business or corporation, rather than a state. Staatslenkung carries a connotation of heavy-handed state direction or control over the economy/society, whereas Regierungsführung is more neutral or describes the administrative process. Regentschaft refers specifically to a regency, such as when a person governs on behalf of a monarch, rather than the general concept of governance.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided for governance in the source pack are feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The word Gewalt in Regierungsgewalt is the same word used for 'violence' or 'force'. This highlights the idea that legal authority is rooted in the power to enforce laws.
- In modern German business contexts, the English word 'Governance' is frequently used as a loanword, especially in 'Corporate Governance', because Unternehmensführung can sound too much like simple management.
- The term Staatslenkung uses the root lenken, meaning 'to steer' like a ship or a car, implying the government is driving the country in a specific direction.
Examples in context
- Der Übergang vom Kommunismus zur Marktwirtschaft und zu demokratischer Regierungsführung war für Albanien schwierig und mit wirtschaftlicher Unsicherheit und gesellschaftlichen Unruhen verbunden.The transition from communism to a market economy and democratic governance was challenging for Albania, with economic instability and social upheaval.This sentence illustrates the use of Regierungsführung in a political context regarding a country's transition.Tatoeba #12623897 by Yorwba, translation #12622064 by always
- Die absolute Herrschaft des Königs wurde von zahlreichen Aufständen bedroht.The absolute rule of the king was threatened by numerous uprisings.
- Die Führung des Unternehmens traf eine strategische Entscheidung.The company's leadership made a strategic decision.
- Die Leitung der Universität hat Online-Lehrmethoden eingeführt.The university's administration has implemented online teaching methods.
- Wir müssen lernen, zu regieren und unsere Verantwortung wahrzunehmen.We have to learn to govern and take responsibility.
- Die Regulierung des Finanzsektors ist von großer Bedeutung für eine effektive Governance.The regulation of the financial sector is of great importance for effective governance.
- Die gute Regierungsführung ist entscheidend für das Land.Good governance is crucial for the country.
- Wir diskutieren über die aktuelle Regierungsführung in der Region.We are discussing the current governance in the region.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are discussing political science at a university.
- HannahWas hältst du von der aktuellen Regierungsführung?What do you think of the current governance?
- MaximilianIch finde sie sehr ineffektiv, Hannah.I find it very ineffective, Hannah.
- HannahGlaubst du, dass eine Reform helfen würde?Do you believe that a reform would help?
- MaximilianJa, das würde die Verwaltung verbessern.Yes, that would improve the administration.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “governance” translations and entries Regierungsgewalt, Staatsführung, Unternehmensführung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Regierungsgewalt, Staatsführung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
