German word

Kaiserin

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkaɪ̯zəʁɪn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounempress

Example

Die Kaiserin begrüßte die Gäste.

The empress greeted the guests.

Illustration for Kaiserin (empress)

More examples

Nach dem Skandal zog sich die Kaiserin aus der Öffentlichkeit zurück.

After the scandal, the empress withdrew from public life.

Core concept

A crowned woman beside or above an imperial throne, representing the title's two traditional roles.

Common phrases

  • zur Kaiserin ernannt

    appointed empress

  • die amtierende Kaiserin

    the reigning empress

  • die Kaiserin im Exil

    the empress in exile

Similar words

Königin: A woman who rules a kingdom.
Monarchin: A woman who is the highest-ranking ruler of a state.
Herrscherin: A woman who rules a country or territory with authority.
Regentin: A woman who governs for a young or absent monarch.

Definition in German

Eine Frau, die selbst herrscht; in anderen Fällen bezeichnet der Titel die Ehefrau des Kaisers.

Word origin

The noun Kaiserin developed within German by adding the feminine personal suffix -in to Kaiser, a borrowing ultimately related to Latin Caesar.

Usage tips

  • Context determines whether Kaiserin means a woman who rules an empire or an emperor's wife, so historical descriptions may specify regierende Kaiserin.

Related words

  • Kaiserreichempirenoun
  • Kaisertumimperial rulenoun
  • kaiserlichimperialadjective

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