das  Bundeskabinett

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəskaˌbɪnɛt/

🏛️ What exactly is *das Bundeskabinett*?

The German word *das Bundeskabinett* refers to the Federal Cabinet of Germany. It is the chief executive body of the federal government, consisting of the Bundeskanzler* (Federal Chancellor) and the *Bundesminister* (Federal Ministers).

It collectively makes important political decisions, approves draft legislation (*Gesetzentwürfe*), and directs the federal administration. Meetings (*Sitzungen*) are typically held weekly.

The article is always *das* (neuter), because *Kabinett*, when referring to a committee or body, is grammatically neuter in German.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar: The Declension of *das Bundeskabinett*

The word *Bundeskabinett* is a neuter noun (*sächlich*). It is generally used only in the singular. The plural form (*die Bundeskabinette*) is very rare and typically refers to different cabinets over time or in theoretical comparisons.

Singular

Note: In the Dative singular, the ending -e (*Bundeskabinette*) is archaic but possible. In the Genitive, both forms are common.

Example Sentences

1. Das Bundeskabinett tritt jeden Mittwoch zusammen.
   (The Federal Cabinet meets every Wednesday.)
2. Die Entscheidung des Bundeskabinetts wurde gestern bekannt gegeben.
   (The Federal Cabinet's decision was announced yesterday.)
3. Der Gesetzentwurf wurde dem Bundeskabinett zur Abstimmung vorgelegt.
   (The draft law was presented to the Federal Cabinet for voting.)
4. Der Bundeskanzler leitet das Bundeskabinett.
   (The Federal Chancellor leads the Federal Cabinet.)

🗣️ How *das Bundeskabinett* is Used

The term *Bundeskabinett* is primarily used in political and media contexts when discussing the German federal government.

• *Political Reporting*: It's standard terminology in news reports (*Nachrichten*), newspaper articles (*Zeitungsartikel*), and political discussions. Example: "Das Bundeskabinett hat heute das neue Klimaschutzgesetz verabschiedet." (The Federal Cabinet passed the new climate protection law today.)
• *Official Documents*: The term is used precisely in laws (*Gesetze*), regulations (*Verordnungen*), and official communications (*amtliche Mitteilungen*).
• *Distinction*: It's important to distinguish the *Bundeskabinett* (federal level) from *Landeskabinette* (state level cabinets).
• *Synonym*: Often, *Bundesregierung* (Federal Government) is used synonymously, although *Bundeskabinett* specifically refers to the council of ministers.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

*For the article 'das'*: Think of "das team" or "das committee". A *Kabinett* is a type of team or committee, and conceptually, these collective bodies often take the neuter article in German. So, *das Bundeskabinett* is like *the* central decision-making committee (*Gremium*) of the federation (*Bund*).

*For the meaning*: Imagine a large cabinet (furniture, *ein Kabinett*) holding important documents of the *Bund* (Federation). The ministers meet around this cabinet to make decisions – the *Bundes-Kabinett*.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ *Caution*: Don't confuse it with *Kabinett* in the sense of a small side room or a collection (e.g., *Wachsfigurenkabinett* - wax museum), even though the word originates from that meaning.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum nimmt das Bundeskabinett immer einen Regenschirm mit zur Sitzung?

Antwort: Falls mal wieder eine Entscheidung ins Wasser fällt!

*Translation:*

Question: Why does the Federal Cabinet always take an umbrella to its meetings?

Answer: In case another decision falls through! (Literally: falls into the water - a German idiom for 'fails' or 'is cancelled').

📜 Poem about the Cabinet

Im Kanzleramt, da tagen sie,
Das Bundeskabinett, mit Energie.
Minister hier und Kanzler dort,
Beraten, streiten, finden Wort.

Gesetze planen, groß und klein,
Fürs Land soll es das Beste sein.
Mal einig, mal geteilter Sinn,
So ist's im Politik-Beginn.

*Translation:*

In the Chancellery, they convene,
The Federal Cabinet, energetic scene.
Ministers here and Chancellor there,
Consulting, arguing, finding words to share.

Planning laws, both big and small,
For the country, the best for all.
Sometimes united, sometimes split,
That's how politics often sit.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin die Spitze der Exekutive im Bund,
besteh' aus Kanzler und Ministern, tue Entscheidungen kund.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, ich treff mich oft zur Rund'.
Wer bin ich, sag's geschwind?

*Translation:*

I am the head of the executive at the federal level,
Consisting of Chancellor and ministers, I make decisions known.
My article is neuter, I often meet for a round.
Who am I, tell me soon?

Answer: Das Bundeskabinett

🧩 Word Puzzle: Composition

The word *Bundeskabinett* is a compound noun (*Kompositum*), made up of:

• *Bund*: Referring to the federal state of Germany (the Federation).
• *Kabinett*: Originally a small room or a piece of furniture for storing valuable items. Later transferred to mean a group of advisors or ministers who meet (often in such a room).

Together, it literally means the "Cabinet of the Federation". It's a specific term for the German governmental system.