Bürgermeister facts for kids

The word Burgermeister comes from German and means 'master of the citizens'. You might also see it spelled as Burgomaster or Burgomeister in English.

A Burgermeister is like the main leader of a town or city government in many places, especially in Germany. They are in charge of the city's executive council, which is like a team that makes important decisions for the city.

While the title is often translated as 'Mayor' in English, the job isn't exactly the same as a mayor in some other countries. For example, in France, a similar leader is called a maire, and in the Netherlands, they are called a burgemeester.

Where is a Burgermeister Found?

The title Bürgermeister is used in Germany and Austria. It was also used in Switzerland until the mid-1800s. Today, in Switzerland, different names are used, such as Gemeindepräsident or Stadtpräsident.

Burgermeisters in City-States

In special places called city-states, which are cities that also act like their own small countries, there can be more than one Burgermeister. The most important Burgermeister in these places has an extra title:

• Regierender Bürgermeister ('Governing Mayor') in Berlin
• Erster Bürgermeister (meaning 'First Mayor') in Hamburg
• Bürgermeister und Präsident des Senats ('Mayor and President of the Senate') in Bremen

The Oberbürgermeister

In many large cities, there might be more than one Burgermeister. The most senior or highest-ranking one is usually called the Oberbürgermeister. This title is sometimes translated as 'Lord Mayor'. The word Ober- is often added to titles in German to show that someone holds a higher position, especially in military ranks.

Old Titles for Burgermeisters

Sometimes, in old documents and books, you might see the title Präsidierender Bürgermeister. This means 'Presiding Burgermeister' and was another way to refer to a Burgermeister in the past.

Images for kids

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  The Burgomaster's Family, possibly painted by Gerard Donck around 1640.

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  Manneken Pis dressed as a burgomaster from the Seven Noble Houses of Brussels.

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  A document from 1505 showing the Bürgermeisteramt (office of the burgomaster) of Erhart Huck from Bozen, South Tyrol.

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  Arnold von Brauweiler, a German burgomaster, known in German as Bürgermeister.

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  A council meeting in Oude IJsselstreek, Netherlands, with mayor Steven de Vreeze (right) leading the meeting.

See also

In Spanish: Burgomaestre para niños