Regierung
/reˈɡiːrʊŋ/feminine
The German word for government is Regierung.
Regierung is used to refer to the body with the power to make or enforce laws. While it is the most common and general term for government, it specifically refers to the executive body, such as the cabinet or administration, rather than the entire state or nation.
Meaning: body with the power to make and/or enforce laws (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use Regierung when you are talking about the executive branch of a country. In contrast, the word Staat is used to refer to the entire state or nation as a whole.
How does it change in a sentence?
Regierung is a feminine noun and is used with the feminine definite article die. In the dative case, the article changes from die to der (e.g., der Regierung). The plural form of the word is Regierungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈɡiːrʊŋ/
Did you know?
- The word Regierung comes from the verb regieren, which means 'to reign'. It shares the same root as the English word 'regent', describing someone who rules while a monarch is absent.
- In political news, you will often hear the term Koalitionsregierung, which refers to a government formed by two or more political parties.
- The word Regierung is a feminine noun, so it is often personified in political commentary as 'she' (sie). For example, one might say 'the government has decided' using the feminine pronoun.
Examples in context
- Sie schufen eine Regierung.They created a government.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Regierung with a verb in the past tense.Tatoeba #1040898 by al_ex_an_der, translation #802177 by Source_VOA
- Diese Regierung ist korrupt.This government is corrupt.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of Regierung as a subject in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #3329872 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3329434 by Hybrid
- Tom traut der Regierung nicht.Tom doesn't trust the government.This sentence is useful for showing how Regierung changes to the dative case after certain verbs.Tatoeba #6144659 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4375681 by Hybrid
- Die Regierung hat neue Maßnahmen zur Steuerreform angekündigt.The government has announced new measures for tax reform.
- Die Staatsführung ist verpflichtet, das Wohl des Volkes zu gewährleisten.The government is obligated to ensure the welfare of the people.
- Die Regierung plant eine Verkehrsumleitung.The government is planning a traffic diversion.
- Der Staat sollte mehr in Bildung investieren.The government should invest more in education.
- Die Regierungsführung hat ihre Versprechen nicht eingehalten.The government leadership did not keep their promises.
- 213 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are discussing current events at home.
- LauraWas sagt die Regierung zu diesem Plan?What does the government say about this plan?
- MaximilianDie Regierung hat noch nicht geantwortet, Laura.The government hasn't answered yet, Laura.
- LauraIch finde die neue Regierung sehr langsam.I find the new government very slow.
- MaximilianDas ist ein schwieriges Thema für die Regierung.That is a difficult topic for the government.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “government” translations and entries Regierung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Regierung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
