Staat
/ʃtaːt/
The English word "state" is translated into German as Staat.
Staat is used to refer to a political or legal entity.
Meaning: political entity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Staat refers specifically to the political or legal entity, the word Land is often used more colloquially or broadly to mean a country or a specific territory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Staat is Staaten. When using the genitive singular to mean "of the state", you can use either Staates or Staate.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtaːt/
Did you know?
- The word Staat can appear in the compound Staatsoper, referring to a state-funded opera house, reflecting a long history of government patronage of the arts.
- The German word Staat is a linguistic relative of the English word 'estate', as both descend from the same Latin root describing a person's standing or condition.
- While Staat is the formal term for a nation, if you are talking about a German federal state like Bavaria, you would use the word Bundesland instead.
Examples in context
- Kosovo ist jetzt ein Staat.Kosovo is a state now.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of Staat when discussing a nation's status.Tatoeba #9983710 by PiaKorvo, translation #12992281 by rul
- Ned kommt aus dem Staate Utah.Ned comes from the state of Utah.This sentence shows how to use Staat when referring to a specific US state.Tatoeba #1808634 by pne, translation #35789 by CN
- Etwas ist faul im Staate Dänemark.There's something rotten in the state of Denmark.This sentence illustrates the use of Staat in a literary or figurative context.Tatoeba #962550 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #962549 by shekitten
- Der Staat hat die Verantwortung, die Rechte seiner Bürger zu schützen.The state has the responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens.
- Meine Haare sind momentan in einem schrecklichen Zustand.My hair is currently in a terrible state.
- Der Bundesstaat Kalifornien liegt an der Westküste der USA.The state of California is located on the West Coast of the USA.
- Der Kühlschrank ist in einem schlechten Zustand, ich sollte ihn reparieren lassen.The fridge is in a bad state, I should get it repaired.
- Der Staat investiert in den Ausbau des öffentlichen Verkehrs.The state is investing in the expansion of public transportation.
- 102 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing a political science lecture.
- FelixWie definierst du einen Staat?How do you define a state?
- LauraEin Staat braucht ein festes Gebiet.A state needs a fixed territory.
- FelixHat der Staat auch eine Regierung?Does the state also have a government?
- LauraJa, das ist absolut notwendig.Yes, that is absolutely necessary.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Staat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Staat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
