der  Amtsantritt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔamtsˌʔantrɪt/

📜 What exactly does "der Amtsantritt" mean?

The German noun der Amtsantritt refers to the assumption of office or the beginning of tenure in an official position or important role, especially in public service, politics, or an organization. It's the moment a person formally takes on their duties and responsibilities in a new role.

It is a masculine noun.

• Example Contexts: Politics (e.g., der Amtsantritt des Bundeskanzlers - the Chancellor taking office), administration (e.g., der Amtsantritt of a new department head), organizations (e.g., der Amtsantritt of the association chairman).

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Amtsantritt

The word "Amtsantritt" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension in the singular:

Plural: The plural form "die Amtsantritte" is quite rare, as one usually refers to a specific instance of taking office. If used, it refers to multiple different events of assuming office.

Example Sentences

1. Der Amtsantritt des neuen Bürgermeisters wurde feierlich begangen.
   (The new mayor's assumption of office was celebrated ceremoniously.)
2. Wir gratulieren Ihnen herzlich zu Ihrem Amtsantritt.
   (We sincerely congratulate you on taking office.)
3. Seit seinem Amtsantritt hat sich vieles verändert.
   (Since he took office, many things have changed.)
4. Die Presse berichtete ausführlich über den Amtsantritt der Ministerin.
   (The press reported extensively on the minister's assumption of office.)

🗣️ How is "Amtsantritt" used?

"Amtsantritt" is primarily used in formal and official language. You'll often encounter it in news reports, official announcements, and in contexts related to political or administrative processes.

• Typical Contexts: Assumption of office by politicians (President, Chancellor, Minister, Mayor), leaders in authorities or large organizations (Director, CEO/Chairman).
• Distinction: Compared to "Arbeitsbeginn" (start of work) or "Dienstantritt" (start of service/duty), "Amtsantritt" refers to a position with higher responsibility and often public significance. "Dienstantritt" can also be used for regular civil servant or employee positions, whereas "Amtsantritt" is more reserved for leadership roles.
• Set Phrases: "bei Amtsantritt" (upon taking office), "seit Amtsantritt" (since taking office), "den Amtsantritt feiern/begehen" (to celebrate taking office).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article "der": Think that often a male person (like der Präsident, der Kanzler) takes a high office (Amt). This helps remember der Amtsantritt.

Meaning: Break down the word: Amt + Antritt. "Amt" is the office/position, "Antritt" is the start or entry (like the 'kick-off' - Anpfiff - or 'starting' a journey - Antritt einer Reise). So: The start of the office.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Warum war der neue Geistliche bei seinem Amtsantritt so nervös?

Er hatte Angst, bei der ersten Predigt den Faden zu verlieren und stattdessen nur "Amen" zu sagen! 😄

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Translation:

Why was the new clergyman so nervous when taking office?

He was afraid of losing his train of thought during the first sermon and just saying "Amen" instead! 😄

✍️ Poem about Taking Office

Der Tag ist da, die Stunde schlägt,
Der Amtsantritt wird nun voll hegt.
Mit Schwung und Plan, so tritt er an,
Ein neuer Kopf, ein neuer Mann (oder Frau).
Verantwortung, sie wiegt oft schwer,
Doch hoffnungsvoll blickt man umher.
Möge die Zeit erfolgreich sein,
Zum Wohle aller, groß und klein.

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Translation:

The day is here, the hour strikes,
The taking of office is now cherished.
With drive and plan, they step up,
A new head, a new person.
Responsibility often weighs heavily,
But one looks around hopefully.
May the time be successful,
For the benefit of all, big and small.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Start, doch nicht im Rennen,
Ich lass' die Macht den Inhaber kennen.
Ein neuer Chef beginnt die Zeit,
für Pflicht und Würde steht bereit.
Bin ich vorbei, beginnt die Frist.
Sag, wie mein Name richtig ist?

Lösung: Der Amtsantritt

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Translation:

I am a start, but not in a race,
I let the incumbent know the power they face.
A new boss begins their time,
Ready for duty and the sublime.
When I am past, the term's begun.
Tell me, what name have I won?

Solution: Der Amtsantritt (Taking office / Assumption of office)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Amtsantritt" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Das Amt (neuter): An official position or function, often in governmental or ecclesiastical contexts.
• Der Antritt (masculine): The start, the beginning of something (e.g., a journey, an activity).

The gender of the compound noun is determined by the last part ("der Antritt"), which is why it is der Amtsantritt.

Formality: As mentioned, "Amtsantritt" is a rather formal word and is rarely used in casual everyday language, unless discussing such events.