German word

Hauptstadt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌʃtat/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncapital

Example

Berlin ist die Hauptstadt von Deutschland.

Berlin is the capital of Germany.

Illustration for Hauptstadt (capital)

More examples

Viele Studenten wohnen in der Hauptstadt.

Many students live in the capital.

Core concept

A country's main urban hub, where national political and diplomatic activity is concentrated.

Common phrases

  • die Hauptstadt des Landes

    the capital of the country

  • in der Hauptstadt wohnen

    live in the capital

  • aus der Hauptstadt kommen

    come from the capital

Similar words

Stadt: A town or city where people live and go about their daily lives.
Landeshauptstadt: The city serving as the political and administrative center of a federal state.
Metropole: A major city that draws people and businesses and shapes culture and the economy.
Großstadt: A large, populous city with extensive urban services and facilities.

Definition in German

Hauptstadt nennt man die zentrale Stadt eines Staates, in der oft Regierung, Parlament oder Botschaften ihren Sitz haben.

Word origin

Hauptstadt combines Haupt, meaning 'main' or literally 'head', with Stadt, meaning 'city', and denotes a country's principal city.

Usage tips

  • Hauptstadt is feminine: die Hauptstadt, der Hauptstadt, and its plural is Hauptstädte.

Related words

Word lists with this word