der  Kanzler

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkant͡slɐ/

📜 What does "der Kanzler" mean?

Der Kanzler is a masculine noun in German and refers to the head of government, typically translated as Chancellor. This is the top executive political office in Germany and Austria. The feminine form is die Kanzlerin.

• Political Meaning: In Germany, the Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor) leads the federal government. They are elected by the Bundestag (parliament) and set the political agenda. Austria also has a Bundeskanzler leading the government.
• Historical Meaning: Historically, the title Kanzler was also used for high-ranking administrative officials or heads of chanceries (e.g., Reichskanzler - Imperial Chancellor).
• Other Uses: Less commonly, it can refer to the head of administration at a university (Universitätskanzler).

🚨 Remember the feminine form: die Kanzlerin.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "der Kanzler" in Detail

"Kanzler" is a masculine noun. It typically follows strong declension patterns, although the genitive singular can sometimes appear as "des Kanzlers". It does not standardly follow the n-declension.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Kanzler hält morgen eine wichtige Rede. (The Chancellor is giving an important speech tomorrow.)
2. Die Entscheidung des Kanzlers wurde kritisiert. (The Chancellor's decision was criticized.)
3. Man überreichte dem Kanzler die Dokumente. (The documents were handed over to the Chancellor.)
4. Die Journalisten befragten den Kanzler. (The journalists interviewed the Chancellor.)
5. Mehrere ehemalige Kanzler nahmen an der Zeremonie teil. (Several former Chancellors attended the ceremony.)

🗣️ How to use "Kanzler"?

• Political Context: The most common use refers to the head of government in Germany (Bundeskanzler) or Austria (Bundeskanzler). Example: "Der Kanzler reist nach Brüssel." (The Chancellor is traveling to Brussels.)
• Historical Context: You'll encounter Reichskanzler when discussing the German Empire or the Weimar Republic (e.g., Bismarck).
• University Context: Less frequent, but possible, is its use for the head of administration at a university: "Der Kanzler der Universität ist für die Finanzen zuständig." (The university chancellor is responsible for finances.)
• Distinction: Don't confuse Kanzler with Ministerpräsident (head of a federal state government in Germany) or Präsident (President, who is the head of state in Germany, or head of government in systems like the US or France).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: The Kanzler is typically a male political leader (masculine noun), so think: "He is der leader" -> der Kanzler.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the Kanzler working in the Chancellery (Kanzleramt), making important decisions. The similar sound helps link the person to their office and role.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Kanzler

⚠️ Caution: In Germany, the Präsident is the head of state, not the head of government, and thus not a synonym for Kanzler.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Journalist den Kanzler: "Herr Kanzler, was halten Sie von der aktuellen politischen Lage?"
Antwortet der Kanzler: "Ich halte mich da raus!" 😉

Translation: A journalist asks the Chancellor: "Mr. Chancellor, what do you make of ('halten von' - lit. 'hold of') the current political situation?"
The Chancellor replies: "I'm keeping out of it!" (A pun, as "halten" also means 'to hold' or 'to keep'). 😉

✍️ Poem about the Chancellor

Der Kanzler lenkt, mit Plan und Sicht,
Des Landes Wohl, bei Tag und Licht.
Trifft Entscheidungen, schwer und klar,
Steht im Zentrum, Jahr für Jahr.
Mal Lob, mal Tadel, Wind und Wogen,
Der Kanzler bleibt dem Amt gewogen.

Translation:
The Chancellor steers, with plan and sight,
The country's welfare, day and light.
Makes decisions, hard and clear,
Stands at the center, year by year.
Sometimes praise, sometimes blame, wind and waves,
The Chancellor remains devoted to the office.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich leite die Regierung hier im Land,
Werde vom Bundestag ernannt.
Mein Amtssitz ist oft das Kanzleramt,
Mein Titel ist im ganzen Land bekannt.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I lead the government here in the land,
Am appointed by the Bundestag's hand.
My office is often the Chancellery grand,
My title is known throughout the land.

Who am I?

✨ Other Interesting Info

• Word Origin: The word "Kanzler" derives from the Latin word cancellarius. This originally referred to a gatekeeper or scribe at the cancelli (barriers or screens) of a court or authority. The importance of the office grew over the centuries.
• Bundeskanzleramt: The Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery) in Berlin is the official seat of the German Chancellor and their agency. It's a prominent building in the government district.
• Famous Chancellors: Famous German Chancellors include Konrad Adenauer, Willy Brandt, Helmut Kohl, Gerhard Schröder, and Angela Merkel (as Kanzlerin).