Supermacht
In German, the word for superpower is Supermacht.
Supermacht refers to a geopolitical superpower.
Meaning: fictional extraordinary ability (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Super- (super) and Macht (power/might).
Which one should you use?
While Supermacht refers to a geopolitical superpower, Superkraft is used for a fictional extraordinary ability like those of superheroes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Supermacht is Supermächte.
Did you know?
- While Superkraft describes a superhero's ability, the word Macht in Supermacht is derived from the same root as the English word 'might' rather than 'power' as a battery or energy source.
- The prefix Super- is a loanword from Latin that entered German, but it is used far more sparingly in traditional German compounds than the versatile 'super' is used in modern English.
- If a German speaker describes someone as having Macht, they are referring to their social or political influence, whereas Kraft refers to their energy or stamina.
Examples in context
- China ist eine Supermacht.China is a superpower.This sentence illustrates the use of Supermacht when referring to a country.Tatoeba #8801688 by Melang, translation #7809732 by Amastan
- Russland hatte sich als eine zweite Supermacht erwiesen.Russia had emerged as a second superpower.This sentence shows how Supermacht is used to describe a nation emerging as a power.Tatoeba #2994734 by al_ex_an_der, translation #29369 by AlanF_US
- Die Vereinigten Staaten sind eine Supermacht.The United States is a superpower.
- Lena hat eine Superfähigkeit, sie kann fliegen.Lena has a superpower, she can fly.
- Tom wünschte, er hätte eine Superkraft, um die Zeit zurückzudrehen.Tom wished he had a superpower to turn back time.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are discussing their favorite comic book characters.
- LukasWelche Supermacht hättest du gerne?Which superpower would you like to have?
- HannahIch möchte die Supermacht fliegen können.I would like the superpower to be able to fly.
- LukasDas wäre echt praktisch im Alltag.That would be really practical in everyday life.
- HannahStimmt, Lukas, dann gäbe es keinen Stau mehr.True, Lukas, then there would be no more traffic jams.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Supermacht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
