Question 127 of 350 · Municipalities and the city of Zurich
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
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
Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.