German Conversation · Level 145
30 words
German word
Herzogtum
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhɛɐ̯tsoːkˌtuːm/
Meaning
- neuter nounduchy
Example
Im Urlaub waren wir in einem kleinen Herzogtum.
We were in a small duchy during our vacation.
More examples
Das Herzogtum war lange Zeit wirtschaftlich unabhängig.
The duchy was economically independent for a long time.
Core concept
A bounded region whose political identity is tied to a duke rather than to a king or emperor.
Common phrases
ein kleines Herzogtum
a small duchy
das ehemalige Herzogtum
the former duchy
Similar words
Grafschaft: An administrative region ruled by a count.
Herzog: A hereditary nobleman who rules a duchy.
Territorium: A tract of land under the control of a state or lord.
Königreich: A sovereign realm under a king.
Definition in German
Ein historisches Territorium, das der Herrschaft eines Herzogs unterstand.
Word origin
Herzogtum combines Herzog, historically a Germanic title related to a military leader, with the suffix -tum for a state, condition, or domain.
Usage tips
- Herzogtum is neuter, so standard forms include das Herzogtum, im Herzogtum, and the plural Herzogtümer.