Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical territory in north-central Europe: Brandenburg was a territory within the Holy Roman Empire. It was ruled by an Elector (a prince with the right to vote for the Holy Roman Emperor) and formed the core region from which the Kingdom of Prussia later developed. 2. A modern federal state of Germany: Today, Brandenburg is a state (Bundesland) in eastern Germany that surrounds the national capital, Berlin.

Usage Examples

• Historical Context:
  • The Elector of Brandenburg was a significant figure in the Holy Roman Empire.
  • In 1701, the ruler of Brandenburg crowned himself King in Prussia.
• Modern Context:
  • Potsdam is the capital city of the federal state of Brandenburg.
  • Many people commute from Brandenburg to work in Berlin.

Advanced Usage

• "Brandenburg Gate" (Brandenburger Tor): A famous neoclassical monument in Berlin, originally one of the city gates leading to the road to Brandenburg.
  • The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks.

Variants and Related Words

• Brandenburger (noun): A person from Brandenburg.
  • He is a proud Brandenburger.
• Brandenburgian (adjective): Relating to Brandenburg.
  • The Brandenburgian countryside is known for its lakes and forests.

Synonyms

• Historical territory: Electorate of Brandenburg, March of Brandenburg.
• Modern region: Federal State of Brandenburg, Land Brandenburg.

Related Phrases

• Margraviate of Brandenburg: The formal title of the territory when it was a principality within the Holy Roman Empire.

Noun

1. the territory of an Elector (of the Holy Roman Empire) that expanded to become the kingdom of Prussia in 1701