German word

Hauptort

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌɔʁt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmain town

Example

Der Hauptort der Region ist klein.

The region's main town is small.

Illustration for Hauptort (main town)

More examples

Seit der Reform verlor der Hauptort des Verwaltungsbezirks einige Behörden.

Since the reform, the main town of the administrative district has lost some government offices.

Core concept

The service hub of a municipality or region, serving nearby places without necessarily being a major city.

Common phrases

  • Hauptort des Verwaltungsbezirks

    main town of the administrative district

  • Hauptort einer Kommune

    main town of a municipality

Similar words

Hauptstadt: A country's or state's political center, housing its main government institutions.
Kreisstadt: A city responsible for administering a county or comparable district.
Verwaltungssitz: The official location of an administrative authority and its offices.
Gemeinde: A self-governing local administrative unit encompassing a village, town, or similar area.

Definition in German

Der zentrale Ort einer Gemeinde oder Region, an dem Verwaltung und wichtige Dienste konzentriert sind.

Word origin

The compound Hauptort combines Haupt, principal, with Ort, place, to denote a place with a leading local function.

Usage tips

  • Hauptort is not the usual German term for a national capital; Hauptstadt is used for that meaning.

Other meanings

  • administrative centernoun

Opposites

  • Randgebietoutlying areanoun

Related words

Word lists with this word