German word

Machthaber

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaxtˌhaːbɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpowerful figure

Example

Viele Machthaber haben Einfluss auf die Politik.

Many powerful figures influence politics.

Illustration for Machthaber (powerful figure)

More examples

Wirtschaftliche Machthaber beeinflussen oft Entscheidungen großer Unternehmen.

Economic power players often influence decisions at large companies.

Core concept

A person or group holds the levers that shape a state, institution, or society.

Common phrases

  • mächtige Machthaber

    powerful figures

  • wirtschaftliche Machthaber

    economic power players

  • internationale Machthaber

    international power players

Similar words

Machtinhaber: An individual or organization with authority and power.
Machtträger: A person or institution using its power to direct events.
Mächtige: Influential people who hold substantial power in society.
Herrscher: A ruler governing a country or territory.

Definition in German

Person oder Gruppe, die politisch oder gesellschaftlich großen Einfluss ausübt und über Macht verfügt.

Word origin

The compound Machthaber joins Macht ('power') and Haber, a noun formed from haben ('to have'), to mean a holder of power.

Usage tips

  • Machthaber is masculine, with der Machthaber in the singular and die Machthaber in the plural; the feminine form is die Machthaberin.

Other meanings

  • person in powernoun
  • rulernoun

Opposites

  • Machtloserpowerless individualnoun

Related words

  • Machthabereilust for powernoun
  • Machthaberinwoman wielding powernoun

Word lists with this word