German word

Imperium

Pronunciation

IPA/ɪmˈpeːʁi̯ʊm/

Meaning

  • neuter nounempire

Example

Das Imperium zerfiel nach einem langen Krieg.

The empire collapsed after a long war.

Illustration for Imperium (empire)

More examples

Viele Völker lehnten ein Imperium ab.

Many peoples rejected an empire.

Core concept

A central power extending its rule across many distinct lands and peoples.

Common phrases

  • Imperium gründen

    found an empire

  • Imperium ausdehnen

    expand an empire

Similar words

Reich: A historically large state brought together under one ruler or political system.
Staat: A self-governing political unit with territory, residents, laws, and administration.
Herrschaft: The condition or form of having control over other people or groups.
Macht: Influence or coercive force used to shape events or direct others.

Definition in German

Das Imperium ist ein ausgedehntes Herrschaftsgebiet, in dem eine zentrale Macht über verschiedene Völker oder Regionen regiert.

Word origin

German Imperium comes from Latin imperium, meaning command or supreme authority, and developed into the sense of a large realm ruled by one power.

Usage tips

  • Imperium is neuter, with the forms das Imperium and die Imperien; its plural does not end in -s.

Other meanings

  • dominionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • imperialimperialadjective
  • Imperialismusimperialismnoun

Word lists with this word