das
Bundeskanzleramt
🏛️ What does "das Bundeskanzleramt" mean?
Das Bundeskanzleramt refers to both the agency (Behörde) that supports the German Federal Chancellor (Bundeskanzler or Bundeskanzlerin) in their official duties, and the building (Gebäude) in Berlin where this agency and the head of government have their seat.
It is the central coordinating body of the German federal government.
- Agency (Behörde): The administrative apparatus subordinate to the Chancellor.
- Building (Gebäude): The physical office building in Berlin.
🚨 There is only one article: das Bundeskanzleramt. The article derives from the base word "Amt" (das Amt - the office/agency).
🧐 Grammar and Declension: das Bundeskanzleramt
The word "Bundeskanzleramt" is neuter (sächlich). It is mostly used in the singular, as it refers to a specific institution or building.
| Case | Article | Word |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Bundeskanzleramt |
| Genitive | des | Bundeskanzleramtes / Bundeskanzleramts |
| Dative | dem | Bundeskanzleramt |
| Accusative | das | Bundeskanzleramt |
| Case | Article | Word |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Bundeskanzlerämter |
| Genitive | der | Bundeskanzlerämter |
| Dative | den | Bundeskanzlerämtern |
| Accusative | die | Bundeskanzlerämter |
Note: The plural is rare and would refer to the buildings or agencies of several chancellors over time or hypothetical offices.
📝 Example Sentences
- Das Bundeskanzleramt hat eine neue Richtlinie veröffentlicht. (The Federal Chancellery has published a new directive.)
- Die Architektur des Bundeskanzleramtes ist modern. (The architecture of the Federal Chancellery is modern.)
- Wir treffen uns morgen vor dem Bundeskanzleramt. (We are meeting in front of the Federal Chancellery tomorrow.)
- Touristen fotografieren oft das Bundeskanzleramt. (Tourists often photograph the Federal Chancellery.)
💡 Everyday Usage
"Das Bundeskanzleramt" is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Political reporting: In news and discussions about the federal government (Bundesregierung), the Chancellor, or political decisions.
- Administration: When discussing the organization and tasks of the agency.
- Architecture & Tourism: When talking about the building itself, its location in Berlin, or tours.
Differentiation: Often, the shorter form "das Kanzleramt" is used, which is usually understood synonymously. However, "Bundeskanzleramt" is the complete and more formal term.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
For the article: Think of the last part of the word: Amt. It's always "das Amt" (the office/agency). Therefore, it's also "das Bundeskanzleramt".
For the meaning: Imagine the Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor) needs a big Amt (office) to govern Germany – that's the Bundeskanzleramt.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Same Meaning (Synonyms)
- Kanzleramt: Commonly used abbreviation.
- Regierungszentrale: (Government headquarters) - Describes the function, not specifically the Chancellor's office.
- (colloquial) BK Amt: Abbreviation, more for internal use.
Opposites (Antonyms)
There are no direct antonyms. However, one could differentiate:
- Bundesministerien: Other parts of the government (e.g., Foreign Office - das Außenministerium, Ministry of Finance - das Finanzministerium).
- Bundespräsidialamt: The office and agency of the Federal President (Bundespräsident).
- Oppositionsparteizentralen: The headquarters of the opposition parties.
⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with Bundesrat (Federal Council, representing the states) or Bundestag (Federal Parliament).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum ist das Bundeskanzleramt so groß?
Damit die Entscheidungen genug Platz haben, um sich zu entfalten! 😄
(Why is the Federal Chancellery so big?
So that the decisions have enough space to unfold!)
📜 A Little Poem
An der Spree, ein Haus aus Glas,
mit spitzem Dach, man glaubt es kaum,
das Bundeskanzleramt, fürwahr,
regiert von hier das ganze Jahr.
Der Kanzler wirkt, plant und berät,
Politik, die hier entsteht.
(By the Spree, a house of glass,
with a pointed roof, you'd hardly guess,
the Federal Chancellery, indeed,
governs from here all year with speed.
The Chancellor works, plans, advises,
Politics, that here arises.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Amt und auch ein Haus,
Der Chef der Regierung geht hier ein und aus.
In Berlin steh' ich, zentral und wichtig,
mein Artikel ist 'das', das ist richtig.
Was bin ich?
(I am an office and also a house,
The head of government goes in and out here, no louse.
In Berlin I stand, central and key,
My article is 'das', you see.)
What am I?
Solution: Das Bundeskanzleramt (The Federal Chancellery)
✨ Other Information about das Bundeskanzleramt
Word Composition
The word is a compound noun made of three parts:
- Bund(es): Refers to the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland). The "es" is an interfix (Fugen-s).
- Kanzler: Refers to the Federal Chancellor (Bundeskanzler / Bundeskanzlerin).
- Amt: Means office, agency, or seat of office.
Trivia
- The current building was designed by architects Axel Schultes and Charlotte Frank and completed in 2001.
- It is part of the "Band des Bundes" (Federal Ribbon) in Berlin's government district.
- The building's nickname is sometimes "Waschmaschine" (washing machine) due to its distinctive cubic shape with large circular windows.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Bundeskanzleramt?
The correct article for "Bundeskanzleramt" is always das. It derives from "das Amt" (the office/agency) and refers to the agency and building of the German head of government. There are no other articles for this word.