The German word for government is die Regierung.
Regierung in German refers to the body that governs a country, state, or region. You’ll see it in news headlines, political discussions, and history books. It can refer to both national leadership and local or state-level governments.
It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (and available in our free illustrated PDF).
Gender and Pronunciation
It’s a feminine noun: die Regierung.
Need a shortcut for learning gender patterns? This video lesson teaches the ones that stick.
Pronunciation:
Regierung is pronounced [ray-GEE-roong]
“ray” like the English word
“GEE” rhymes with “knee”
Ends in “roong” (like "rung" with a soft oo)
Three syllables: ray-GEE-roong
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Example sentences
Die Regierung hat neue Gesetze beschlossen.
The government passed new laws.
Viele Menschen sind unzufrieden mit der Regierung.
Many people are unhappy with the government.
Die neue Regierung wird im Januar gebildet.
The new government will be formed in January.
How does this word come up in real conversations?
"Die Regierung sollte mehr für Bildung tun."
The government should do more for education.
"Wer ist gerade in der Regierung?"
Who is currently in power?
"Ich finde die Entscheidungen der Regierung problematisch."
I find the government’s decisions problematic.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Ben: Was hältst du von der neuen Regierung?
Lina: Ich bin skeptisch…
Ben: Warum?
Lina: Die Versprechen klingen gut, aber wir werden sehen.
Translation:
Ben: What do you think of the new government?
Lina: I’m skeptical…
Ben: Why?
Lina: The promises sound good, but we’ll see.
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:
Die Regierung plant eine Reform.
The government is planning a reform.
Accusative:
Ich kritisiere die Regierung.
I criticize the government.
Dative:
Mit der Regierung gibt es Gespräche.
There are talks with the government.
Genitive:
Die Maßnahmen der Regierung sind umstritten.
The government’s measures are controversial.
Other ways to say government in German
While Regierung is the standard word for government in German, Staatsführung (state leadership) and Verwaltung (administration) can appear in formal or bureaucratic contexts. Regime may be used in critical or historical commentary.
Word variations and tidbits
You’ll encounter phrases like Bundesregierung (federal government), Landesregierung (state government), Regierungschef (head of government), Regierungswechsel (change in government), and Regierungszeit (term in office). Idioms include in der Regierung sein (to be in power) and die Regierung übernehmen (to take over the government).
📘 Duden entry for Regierung
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