das  Europaparlament

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɔʏʁopaˌpaʁlaˈmɛnt/

🇪🇺 What exactly is 'das Europaparlament'?

Das Europaparlament (short: EP or EU Parliament) is the directly elected parliamentary assembly of the European Union (EU). It represents the citizens of the EU member states.

It is one of the central institutions of the EU and plays an important role in legislation, budget control, and political control of the executive branch (European Commission).

The article is das because the base word 'Parlament' is neuter (sächlich). There are no other articles or meanings for this specific word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Europaparlament

The word 'Europaparlament' is a neuter noun (Neutrum). The article is always das.

It is mostly used in the singular. The plural 'die Europaparlamente' is grammatically possible but very rare and usually refers to hypothetical or historical contexts of multiple such parliaments.

Declension Singular

Note: The genitive ending -(e)s is common.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Europaparlament tagt in Straßburg und Brüssel.
   (The European Parliament convenes in Strasbourg and Brussels.)
2. Die Entscheidungen des Europaparlaments beeinflussen Millionen von Menschen.
   (The decisions of the European Parliament affect millions of people.)
3. Wir haben dem Europaparlament eine Petition vorgelegt.
   (We submitted a petition to the European Parliament.)
4. Die Abgeordneten wählen das Europaparlament alle fünf Jahre.
   (The members of parliament elect the European Parliament every five years.)

🏛️ How 'das Europaparlament' is used

'Das Europaparlament' is primarily used in political, journalistic, and educational contexts when discussing the European Union.

• Legislation: 'Das Europaparlament hat ein neues Gesetz zur Datensicherheit verabschiedet.' (The European Parliament passed a new law on data security.)
• Elections: 'Die nächste Wahl zum Europaparlament findet 2029 statt.' (The next election for the European Parliament will take place in 2029.)
• Debates: 'Im Europaparlament wurde hitzig über den Haushalt diskutiert.' (There was a heated debate about the budget in the European Parliament.)
• Institution: 'Das Europaparlament ist eine wichtige Säule der europäischen Demokratie.' (The European Parliament is an important pillar of European democracy.)

It is often abbreviated as 'EP' or 'EU-Parlament', especially in news and specialist articles.

⚠️ There is sometimes a risk of confusion with the 'Europarat' (Council of Europe), which is a separate international organization and not part of the EU.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'das Parlament' (like the German Bundestag) or 'das Gremium' (the committee). Both are neuter (sächlich), just like das Europaparlament. 'Europa' just specifies which parliament is meant, but the gender comes from the base word 'Parlament'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a huge arena where representatives from all over Europa sit and debate and vote like in a Parlament. Das Europaparlament – the place where Europe's voices come together.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Abgeordnete des Europaparlaments immer einen Regenschirm mit nach Brüssel, auch wenn die Sonne scheint?

Weil sie gehört haben, dass dort ständig über "Liquiditätsprobleme" debattiert wird! ☔️💰

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Translation:
Why do members of the European Parliament always take an umbrella to Brussels, even when the sun is shining?

Because they heard there are constant debates about "liquidity problems"! (Playing on 'Liquidität' meaning financial liquidity and also liquid/rain).

📜 A Little Poem

In Brüssel und Straßburg, welch ein Haus,
Tagt das Parlament, tauscht Meinungen aus.
Für Europa, die Bürger, nah und fern,
Entscheidet das Europaparlament gern.
Mit Debatte und Wahl, mal laut, mal leis,
Gestaltet es mit auf seine Weis'.

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Translation:
In Brussels and Strasbourg, what a house,
The Parliament meets, exchanges views.
For Europe, the citizens, near and far,
The European Parliament gladly decides.
With debate and vote, sometimes loud, sometimes low,
It shapes things in its own way, you know.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe viele Sitze, doch reise nie allein,
Vertrete viele Zungen, von groß bis ganz klein.
Gesetze für den Kontinent bring ich auf den Weg,
Gewählt von Millionen, ein wichtiger Steg.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Das Europaparlament

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Translation:
I have many seats, but never travel alone,
I represent many tongues, from large to small grown.
Laws for the continent, I put on their way,
Elected by millions, an important pathway.

What am I?

Solution: The European Parliament

💡 More Facts

Word Composition

The word 'Europaparlament' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Europa: Europe, the continent or the political entity of the European Union.
• Parlament: Parliament, an assembly of elected representatives who make laws.

Trivia

• The European Parliament has its official seat in Strasbourg (France), but also works extensively in Brussels (Belgium) and Luxembourg (administration).
• The number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) per country is based on population size, although smaller countries are disproportionately represented (degressive proportionality).
• It is the only directly elected body of the European Union.