der
Vizekanzler
🏛️ What exactly is a Vizekanzler?
The German word der Vizekanzler refers to the Vice Chancellor of Germany or Austria. This person is the deputy to the head of government (der Bundeskanzler).
In Germany, the Vizekanzler is appointed by the Bundeskanzler. Often, but not necessarily, this position is held by the leader of the smaller coalition partner in the government or an important minister.
The word uses the masculine article der because it's an official title, traditionally held by men. The female form is die Vizekanzlerin.
🚨 Important: There is only this one article and this one meaning for the word in this form.
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 under the Microscope: Der Vizekanzler
The noun der Vizekanzler is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Vizekanzler |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Vizekanzlers |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Vizekanzler |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Vizekanzler |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Vizekanzler |
| Genitive | der | Vizekanzler |
| Dative | den | Vizekanzlern |
| Accusative | die | Vizekanzler |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Vizekanzler vertrat den Kanzler bei der Konferenz.
(The Vice Chancellor represented the Chancellor at the conference.) - Die Aufgaben des Vizekanzlers sind im Koalitionsvertrag festgelegt.
(The duties of the Vice Chancellor are defined in the coalition agreement.) - Man sprach mit dem Vizekanzler über die aktuelle Wirtschaftslage.
(They spoke with the Vice Chancellor about the current economic situation.) - Die Partei nominierte ihren Vorsitzenden als nächsten Vizekanzler.
(The party nominated its leader as the next Vice Chancellor.)
🗣️ How to Use Vizekanzler?
The term Vizekanzler is almost exclusively used in a political context to refer to the person deputizing for the head of government (Kanzler).
- Context: Politics, government, news reports, coalition negotiations.
- Typical Verbs: ernennen (to appoint), sein (to be), werden (to become), vertreten (to represent), amtieren als (to serve as).
- Risk of Confusion: Sometimes the term might be mistakenly used for other high government positions. However, the Vizekanzler is specifically the deputy of the Kanzler.
- Formality: The term is formal but also commonly used in general media reporting.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the Article: Think of 'der Kanzler' (masculine). His deputy, der Vizekanzler, takes the same article. It's a masculine job title (even if held by a woman, who would be called die Vizekanzlerin).
Remembering the Meaning: The prefix "Vize-" means "deputy" or "second in command" (think Vice-President, Vize-Weltmeister = vice-champion). So, the Vizekanzler is the deputy (vice) of the Kanzler.
↔️ Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms
- Stellvertreter des Bundeskanzlers (Deputy of the Federal Chancellor - formal)
- (Less common, informal) Zweiter Mann/Frau im Staat (Second man/woman in the state - not entirely accurate, but used colloquially)
Antonyms
There isn't a direct antonym. The opposite concept would be the Chancellor himself/herself or someone without this specific deputy function.
- Bundeskanzler / Kanzler (The person being deputized)
- Minister (Other members of the government without the explicit function of deputizing the Chancellor)
Similar Terms
- Vizebürgermeister: Deputy Mayor at the municipal level.
- Vizepräsident: Vice President (e.g., in the US or in organizations).
😂 A Little Political Joke
Fragt ein Journalist den Vizekanzler: "Herr Vizekanzler, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Ihnen und dem Bundeskanzler?"
Der Vizekanzler überlegt kurz und sagt: "Nun, der Kanzler ist Kanzler. Ich bin es vize versa!" 😉
Translation:
A journalist asks the Vice Chancellor: "Mr. Vice Chancellor, what's the difference between you and the Chancellor?"
The Vice Chancellor thinks for a moment and says: "Well, the Chancellor *is* Chancellor. I am... vice versa!" 😉
📜 A Poem about the Deputy
Im Schatten oft, doch stets bereit,
Der Vizekanzler, für die Staatsgeschäftszeit.
Er springt ein, wenn der Chef mal fehlt,
Ein wichtig Amt, das zählt.
Vertritt die Richtung, klar und fest,
Im Koalitions-Nest.
Nicht ganz die Spitze, doch nah dran,
Einflussreicher, wichtiger Mann (oder Frau).
Translation:
Often in shadow, but always prepared,
The Vice Chancellor, for the state's affairs shared.
He steps in, when the boss is away,
An important office that holds sway.
Represents the course, clear and steady,
In the coalition's eddy.
Not quite the top, but close thereby,
Influential, important guy (or gal).
❓ Who am I? A Political Riddle
Ich bin die Nummer Zwei im Kabinett,
Vertrete den Chef, wenn er ist nicht adrett
Oder verreist in fernes Land.
Mein Titel ist im Staat bekannt.
Ich trage 'Vize' vor dem Amt,
Das dem Regierungschef entstammt.
Wer bin ich? (Auflösung: Der Vizekanzler)
Translation:
I am number two in the cabinet line,
Represent the boss, when they can't shine
Or travel to a distant land.
My title's known throughout the land.
I carry 'Vice' before the role,
Derived from the head of government's control.
Who am I?
(Answer: The Vice Chancellor / Der Vizekanzler)
🧩 Trivia and Word Origin
Word Composition
The word Vizekanzler is composed of:
- Vize-: A prefix of Latin origin (from vice = instead of, deputy).
- Kanzler: A high state office, historically derived from the head of the chancellery (writing office).
Trivia
- In Germany, there is no legal requirement for the Vizekanzler to also hold a ministerial portfolio, although it is customary.
- The role and importance of the Vizekanzler can vary significantly depending on the specific coalition agreement and political dynamics.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vizekanzler?
The word "Vizekanzler" is a masculine job title and therefore always uses the article der: der Vizekanzler (genitive: des Vizekanzlers, dative: dem Vizekanzler, accusative: den Vizekanzler). The female form is die Vizekanzlerin.