Bundeskanzler
Die Bundeskanzlerin hat heute eine Rede im Bundestag gehalten.
The federal chancellor gave a speech in parliament today.
The head of government in Germany and Austria, equivalent to a prime minister in parliamentary systems.
Der Bundeskanzler wird vom Bundestag gewählt.
The federal chancellor is elected by parliament.
In Germany, the Bundeskanzler is the most powerful political figure, leading the federal government. In Austria, the term refers to the head of government in a similar system.
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Pro Tip
Remembering the term
Think of 'Bundes-' as 'federal' (like 'Bundesland' = federal state) and '-kanzler' as 'chancellor'. Together, they mean 'federal chancellor'.
Gold Rule
Capitalization in German
All nouns in German are capitalized, including 'Bundeskanzler'. In English, it is lowercase unless starting a sentence.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Bund' (federation/federal) and 'Kanzler' (chancellor), from Middle High German 'kanzelære' (secretary), ultimately from Latin 'cancellarius' (scribe). The term has been used in German politics since the 19th century, with its modern meaning established after World War II.
Usage Notes
Capitalized as a proper noun in German ('der Bundeskanzler'). In English, it is typically lowercase unless at the start of a sentence. The position is gender-neutral in German ('Bundeskanzlerin' for a female chancellor), but English uses 'chancellor' for both genders.