Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The capital city of Switzerland: "capital of Switzerland" refers specifically to the city that serves as the political and administrative center of the Swiss Confederation.

Usage

• The term "capital of Switzerland" is used to identify the primary seat of the Swiss federal government. It is a proper noun phrase and is typically used in geographical, political, and historical contexts.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Bern is the capital of Switzerland.
  • The federal parliament meets in the capital of Switzerland.
  • Many tourists visit the historic old town in the capital of Switzerland.

Advanced Usage

• "de facto capital of Switzerland": Used to acknowledge Bern's role, as Switzerland's federal structure means some national functions are dispersed to other cities.
  • While Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland, international organizations are based in Geneva.

Variants and Related Words

• Bern (n): The official name of the city that is the capital of Switzerland.
  • Bern was founded in the 12th century.
• Federal city (n): A term often used synonymously with "capital" in the Swiss context, reflecting its status.
  • Bern is designated as the federal city, the capital of Switzerland.

Synonyms

• Seat of government (for Switzerland): The location of the central administrative authority.
• Federal city (of Switzerland): Emphasizes its role in the Swiss federal system.

Notes on Meaning

• It is important to note that "capital of Switzerland" refers exclusively to the city of Bern. While Zurich is the largest city and Geneva is a major international hub, neither is the capital. This term has a single, specific referent.

Noun

1. the capital of Switzerland; located in western Switzerland