der  Bundespräsident

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəspʁɛzɪˌdɛnt/

🏛️ What does "der Bundespräsident" mean?

Der Bundespräsident is the Head of State of the Federal Republic of Germany. He or she represents Germany both internationally and domestically, but primarily holds representative and integrative functions within the political system. The Bundespräsident is not directly elected by the people, but by the Bundesversammlung (Federal Convention).

Key responsibilities include:

• Certifying and promulgating federal laws.
• Appointing and dismissing the Federal Chancellor (upon proposal by the Bundestag) and Federal Ministers (upon proposal by the Chancellor).
• Representing Germany under international law.
• Holding the power of pardon at the federal level.

⚠️ The Bundespräsident has less direct political power than the Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor), who leads the government.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar in Detail: Der Bundespräsident

The word "Bundespräsident" is a masculine noun and takes the article der. It follows the weak N-declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Bundespräsident hält eine Neujahrsansprache. (The Federal President gives a New Year's address.)
2. Die Aufgaben des Bundespräsidenten sind im Grundgesetz festgelegt. (The duties of the Federal President are defined in the Basic Law.)
3. Man überreichte dem Bundespräsidenten ein Gastgeschenk. (A guest gift was presented to the Federal President.)
4. Die Bundesversammlung wählt den Bundespräsidenten. (The Federal Convention elects the Federal President.)
5. Mehrere ehemalige Bundespräsidenten nahmen an der Zeremonie teil. (Several former Federal Presidents attended the ceremony.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

The term "Bundespräsident" is primarily used in political and official contexts. It denotes the specific role of the German Head of State.

• Formal Language: Used in news reports, political discussions, official documents, and education.
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish the Bundespräsident (Head of State, representative) from the Bundeskanzler (Head of Government, executive power).
• Compounds: The word also appears in compound nouns like "Bundespräsidentenwahl" (Federal Presidential election) or "Bundespräsidentenamt" (Office of the Federal President).

In everyday conversation outside of political discussions, the term is less common unless referring to specific actions or speeches by the current officeholder.

🧠 Memory Aids for Bundespräsident

For the article "der": Think: Der is the most common article for professions/titles ending in -ent (like der Präsident, der Student, der Dozent). The Bundespräsident is the leading representative.

For the meaning: Imagine the Bundespräsident mostly deals with the 'Big Picture' (BundesPräsident) – representing the country ('Bund') – while the Chancellor handles the day-to-day running.

🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms

😂 A Little Joke

German: Frage: Warum hat der Bundespräsident immer ein offenes Ohr für die Bürger? Antwort: Weil er hauptsächlich repräsentative Aufgaben hat und gut zuhören muss!

English: Question: Why does the Federal President always have an open ear for the citizens? Answer: Because he mainly has representative duties and has to be a good listener!

✒️ A Little Poem

German:
Im Schloss Bellevue, hoch und hehr,
Wirkt der Bundespräsident, das ist doch klar.
Er unterzeichnet, was beschlossen,
Vertritt das Land, unverdrossen.
Repräsentiert mit Würd' und Fug,
Für Deutschland – das ist ihm genug.

English:
In Bellevue Palace, high and grand,
Works the Bundespräsident, you understand.
He signs the laws, the nation's pacts,
Represents the country, stays on track.
With dignity, he plays his part,
For Germany, right from the start.

🧩 Riddle Time

German:
Ich trage den höchsten Titel im Lande,
Doch regiere nicht mit fester Hande.
Ich werde gewählt, doch nicht vom ganzen Volk allein,
Und wohne in Berlin, im Schloss fein.
Ich unterschreibe die Gesetze, das ist wahr,
Und reise für Deutschland, Jahr für Jahr.
Wer bin ich?

English:
I hold the highest title in the land,
But do not govern with a firm hand.
I am elected, but not by all the people's choice,
And live in Berlin, in a palace nice.
I sign the laws, it's true, you see,
And travel for Germany, annually.
Who am I?

Solution: Der Bundespräsident (The Federal President)

💡 Further Information

Word Composition:

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

• Bund: Refers to the "Federation" as in the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Präsident: Comes from the Latin "praesidens" (one who presides, chairman).

Official Residence:

The primary official residence of the Federal President is Bellevue Palace (Schloss Bellevue) in Berlin.

Trivia:

The term of office for the Bundespräsident is five years, with the possibility of one re-election.