Kaiser
/ˈkaɪ̯zər/masculine
The English word 'emperor' is translated into German as Kaiser. Wiktionary also lists Kaiserin.
Meaning: German Emperor (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser | /ˈkaɪ̯zər/ | masculine |
| Kaiserin | /ˈkaɪ̯zəʁɪn/ | feminine |
Kaiser is the standard way to say 'Emperor' in German.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kaiser is a masculine noun, which uses the definite article der in the nominative case. The feminine form of the word is Kaiserin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɪ̯zər/
Did you know?
- In Germany, Kaiser is also a common name for a small, crusty bread roll known as a Kaisersemmel or Kaiserbrötchen. This refers to the traditional five-pointed star pattern cut into the top of the roll.
- The German word Kaiser is a linguistic relative of the Russian word zar, both of which trace their origins back to the name of Julius Caesar.
- While 'emperor' in English is a general term, using Kaiser in a modern German conversation might sound strangely archaic or even ironic unless one is discussing actual history.
Examples in context
- Rom brannte, und der Kaiser sang.Rome burned and the Kaiser sang.This sentence uses Kaiser to describe a historical figure in relation to Rome.Tatoeba #6019781 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6021686 by Djd_9
- Der Kaiser zahlte dem Sultan Tribut, um nicht angegriffen zu werden.The kaiser paid tribute to the sultan to avoid being attacked.This sentence uses Kaiser to describe a ruler paying tribute.Tatoeba #12294296 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #13422109 by frpzzd
- Wir wollen unseren alten Kaiser Wilhelm wiederhaben. Aber den mit dem Bart, mit dem langen Bart.We want to have again our old Kaiser Wilhelm. But the one with the beard, with the long beard.This sentence uses Kaiser to express a desire to have a specific past ruler back.Tatoeba #3988801 by bandeirante, translation #3989395 by bandeirante
Example conversation
A couple is visiting a historical museum.
- MaximilianSiehst du das Porträt vom Kaiser?Do you see the portrait of the emperor?
- JuliaJa, der Kaiser sieht sehr streng aus.Yes, the emperor looks very strict.
- MaximilianEr war ein mächtiger Kaiser.He was a powerful emperor.
- JuliaDas stimmt, Maximilian.That is true, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kaiser” translations and entries Kaiser, Kaiserin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kaiser, Kaiserin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
