der
Amtsinhaber
🏛️ What does „der Amtsinhaber“ mean?
Der Amtsinhaber is a male person who currently holds a specific public office, position, or function. It refers to the person who, at a given time, exercises the rights and duties associated with an office. The term translates to 'the incumbent' or 'the office holder'.
The term is frequently used in political or administrative contexts, but can also appear in clubs or organizations.
Example: Der Bürgermeister ist der aktuelle Amtsinhaber in unserer Stadt. (The mayor is the current incumbent in our city.)
🚨 Important: The feminine form is „die Amtsinhaberin“ (the female incumbent/office holder).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Amtsinhaber
The word „Amtsinhaber“ is a masculine noun. Its article is der.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Amtsinhaber |
| Genitive | des | Amtsinhabers |
| Dative | dem | Amtsinhaber |
| Accusative | den | Amtsinhaber |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Amtsinhaber |
| Genitive | der | Amtsinhaber |
| Dative | den | Amtsinhabern |
| Accusative | die | Amtsinhaber |
Example Sentences
- Der derzeitige Amtsinhaber bewirbt sich um eine Wiederwahl. (The current incumbent is running for re-election.)
- Die Zeitung interviewte den Amtsinhaber zu seinen Plänen. (The newspaper interviewed the incumbent about his plans.)
- Die Herausforderer kritisieren die Politik des Amtsinhabers. (The challengers criticize the incumbent's policies.)
- Man dankte dem Amtsinhaber für seine langjährige Tätigkeit. (The incumbent was thanked for his many years of service.)
✍️ How to use „Amtsinhaber“?
The term „Amtsinhaber“ is primarily used in formal contexts, especially when discussing politics, administration, or the filling of official positions.
- Politics: Describing mayors, presidents, members of parliament, etc., who are currently in office. („Der Amtsinhaber tritt erneut zur Wahl an.“ - The incumbent is running for election again.)
- Administration: Referring to heads of authorities or departments. („Die Entscheidung liegt beim jeweiligen Amtsinhaber.“ - The decision rests with the respective office holder.)
- Organizations/Associations: Naming chairpersons, board members, etc. („Der Amtsinhaber des Schatzmeisterpostens legte den Bericht vor.“ - The incumbent treasurer presented the report.)
Compared to „Amtsträger“ (office bearer), „Amtsinhaber“ emphasizes the current status of the person in their position more strongly, often in the context of elections or terms of office.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a man (der Mann) proudly sitting in his Amt (office) and holding it (innehaben) – he is der Amts-inhaber.
Meaning Mnemonic: Who currently has the Amt (office)? The Amts-inhaber (office-holder)!
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Amtsträger: (More general) Person holding an office.
- Funktionär: Functionary (often in parties, associations).
- Mandatsträger: Mandate holder (person with a political mandate).
- Amtswalter (rarer): Administrator of an office.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Vorgänger: Predecessor.
- Nachfolger: Successor.
- Herausforderer: Challenger (person running against the incumbent).
- Kandidat: Candidate.
⚠️ Caution: „Bewerber“ (applicant) is not a direct antonym, but someone who aspires to the office but does not yet hold it.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Journalist den Politiker: „Was ist der größte Vorteil daran, Amtsinhaber zu sein?“ Antwortet der Politiker: „Man muss keinen Wahlkampf gegen sich selbst führen!“
English: The journalist asks the politician: "What's the biggest advantage of being the incumbent?" The politician replies: "You don't have to run an election campaign against yourself!"
📜 Poem about the Amtsinhaber
German:
Im Rathaus sitzt er, Tag für Tag,
Der Amtsinhaber, keine Frag'.
Verwaltet, plant, entscheidet viel,
Erreicht (hoffentlich) das nächste Ziel.
Mal Lob, mal Tadel trifft sein Ohr,
So geht's ihm wie dem Vorgänger davor.
English Translation:
In the town hall he sits, day by day,
The incumbent, there's no other way.
Manages, plans, decides a lot,
Reaches (hopefully) the next spot.
Praise and blame may reach his ear,
Just like his predecessor held so dear.
🧩 Who am I? A Riddle
German:
Ich habe ein Amt, doch bin kein Beamter nur.
Ich sitze im Stuhl, verfolge die aktuelle Spur.
Man wählt mich oft, mein Posten ist begehrt,
Mein Vorgänger ging, mein Nachfolger wird geehrt.
Wer bin ich, der die Position grad hat?
English:
I hold an office, but I'm not just a civil servant true.
I sit in the chair, pursuing the current view.
I'm often elected, my position is desired,
My predecessor left, my successor will be admired.
Who am I, holding the position right now?
Solution: Der Amtsinhaber (The incumbent)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition
The word „Amtsinhaber“ is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:
- Amt (das): An official position or function, often in public service.
- Inhaber (der): A person who owns or holds something.
Together, the meaning is: Person who holds an office.
Related Terms
- Amtszeit / Amtsperiode: Term of office.
- Amtseinführung: Inauguration / Swearing-in ceremony.
- Amtsgeschäfte: Official duties / business.
- Amtsbonus: Incumbency advantage (the advantage an incumbent often has in an election).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Amtsinhaber?
The word "Amtsinhaber" is masculine. The correct article is der. Remember: Der Mann (the man) holds (innehaben) the office (Amt), he is der Amtsinhaber.