noun
capital city, capital
A2
Hauptstadt: means capital city or capital. It's a feminine noun (die) with plural Hauptstädte, an irregular plural formed with Umlaut and -e. Declension example: dative plural 'den Hauptstädten'. Use for a country's seat of government. Also used metaphorically for cultural or economic centres.
Examples
Berlin ist die Hauptstadt von Deutschland.
Berlin is the capital of Germany.
In der Hauptstadt wurden die neuen Pläne vorgestellt, bevor die Minister die Provinz besuchten.
In the capital, the new plans were presented before the ministers visited the province.
Berlin ist die Hauptstadt von Deutschland.
Berlin is the capital of Germany.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a large central building labeled 'Hauptstadt' dominating a map.
Hauptstadt — 'haupt' (main) + 'stadt' (city) = main city.
Notes
Used for the administrative capital of a country.