German Conversation · Level 18
90 words
German word
Diktator
Pronunciation
IPA/dɪkˈtaːtoːɐ̯/
Meaning
- masculine noundictator
Example
Die Diktatoren wurden schließlich gestürzt.
The dictators were finally overthrown.
More examples
Er regierte als Diktator und unterdrückte jede Opposition.
He ruled as a dictator and suppressed all opposition.
Core concept
A single political leader holds the controls of the state, with no effective legal or parliamentary check on personal decisions.
Common phrases
als Diktator regieren
rule as a dictator
zum Diktator werden
become a dictator
der Diktator an der Macht
the dictator in power
Similar words
Führer: A leader who guides a group or country through strong personal influence.
Diktatur: A system in which one person or a small group rules without legal or parliamentary limits.
Machthaber: A person or group that exercises actual political power and makes political decisions.
Despot: A ruler who governs arbitrarily and oppresses the people.
Definition in German
Ein Herrscher oder Politiker, der ohne gesetzliche oder parlamentarische Kontrolle regiert und persönliche Macht durchsetzt.
Word origin
The German noun was borrowed from Latin dictator, originally the title of a Roman official appointed with extraordinary authority, and later gained its modern authoritarian sense.
Usage tips
- Diktator normally refers to a political ruler, whereas English dictator also commonly describes a domineering person in a nonpolitical setting.