German word

Staatsoberhaupt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtaːtsˌoːbɐˌhaʊ̯pt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhead of state

Example

Das Staatsoberhaupt empfing heute den Botschafter.

The head of state received the ambassador today.

Illustration for Staatsoberhaupt (head of state)

More examples

Das Parlament überwacht die Amtsbefugnisse des Staatsoberhaupts.

Parliament oversees the official powers of the head of state.

Core concept

A country's highest-ranking representative stands at the front of the state during diplomatic and formal public occasions.

Common phrases

  • die Amtsbefugnisse des Staatsoberhaupts ausüben

    exercise the official powers of the head of state

  • das Amt des Staatsoberhaupts antreten

    take office as head of state

Similar words

Staatschef: A less formal term for a nation's official head of state.
Präsident: A title for an elected or appointed leader of a state or organization.
Staatspräsident: A formal designation for a republic's head of state.
Regierungschef: The person who heads the government and oversees its executive branch.

Definition in German

Die Person, die formal das höchste Amt eines Staates bekleidet und diesen nach innen wie nach außen repräsentativ vertritt.

Word origin

Staatsoberhaupt is a compound of Staat, meaning state, and Oberhaupt, meaning chief or head, so the compound denotes a state's head.

Usage tips

  • Staatsoberhaupt is a formal political term, while the specific office may be Präsident, König, or another title; it is not necessarily the head of government.

Related words

Word lists with this word