What is the highest representative called in smaller Zurich municipalities?
Wie nennt man die oberste Repräsentantin oder den obersten Repräsentanten in kleineren Zürcher Gemeinden?
Correct answer: D
- A Mayor (Bürgermeisterin or Bürgermeister)Bürgermeisterin oder Bürgermeister
- B Municipal Chief (Gemeindeammann)Gemeindeammann
- C District Chief (Bezirksamtmann)Bezirksamtmann
- D Municipal President (Gemeindepräsidentin or Gemeindepräsident)Gemeindepräsidentin oder Gemeindepräsident
Why
In Zurich municipalities, the Municipal President (Gemeindepräsidentin or Gemeindepräsident) leads the municipal council and represents the municipality.
Common mistakes
- A: Mayor (Bürgermeisterin or Bürgermeister)
- «Bürgermeister» (mayor) is the term used in Germany and Austria.
- B: Municipal Chief (Gemeindeammann)
- This person is called «Gemeindeammann» in the canton of Aargau, for example, not in Zurich.
Topic
Municipal assembly, municipal council, City Council
In the canton of Zurich there are 160 political municipalities (as of 2026). The learning brochures say «over 150». In the past there were more. Some municipalities have merged; this is called a municipal merger. The largest municipality is the city of Zurich; many others are small villages. In all municipalities, citizens have a say by taking part in elections and popular votes. The ballot papers are counted by the electoral office.
Canton and municipality of Zurich
Municipalities and the city of Zurich
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 127 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.