German word

Staatschef

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtaːtsˌʃɛf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhead of state

Example

Der Staatschef besuchte gestern die Hauptstadt.

The head of state visited the capital yesterday.

Illustration for Staatschef (head of state)

More examples

Bei der Krisensitzung übernahm der Staatschef das Wort.

At the crisis meeting, the head of state took the floor.

Core concept

A nation's public figure who stands for the state at official events, whether or not this person directs the government.

Common phrases

  • ehemaliger Staatschef

    former head of state

  • neuer Staatschef

    new head of state

  • Staatschef auf Staatsbesuch

    head of state on a state visit

Similar words

Präsident: An elected or appointed officeholder who represents a country in official acts and statements.
Staatsoberhaupt: The highest public representative of a state, especially at ceremonies and formal events.
König: A hereditary ruler who symbolizes the nation through royal duties and ceremonies.
Kanzler: The head of government responsible for domestic policy and running the administration.

Definition in German

Das Staatsoberhaupt einer Nation; die Person, die den Staat repräsentiert, unabhängig von exekutiver Macht.

Word origin

Staatschef is a German compound of Staat, meaning state, and Chef, a borrowing from French chef, ultimately related to Latin caput, meaning head.

Usage tips

  • Staatschef is a masculine noun, and its plural is Staatschefs; it refers to the head of state, not necessarily the head of government.

Other meanings

  • national leadernoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Staatschefinfemale head of statenoun
  • Staatschefpostenhead-of-state postnoun

Word lists with this word