das
Wahlergebnis
🗳️ What Exactly is a 'Wahlergebnis'?
Das Wahlergebnis (noun, neuter) refers to the result or outcome of an election or vote. It indicates how many votes were cast for individual candidates, parties, or options, and thus who or what has won.
It is a compound word formed from:
- die Wahl: The process of voting or the choice itself.
- das Ergebnis: The result or outcome of something.
Since the second part of the word is 'Ergebnis' and its article is 'das', the compound word is also neuter: das Wahlergebnis.
🧐 Grammar of 'das Wahlergebnis' in Detail
The noun 'Wahlergebnis' is neuter. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | das | Wahlergebnis |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Wahlergebnisses |
| Dative (To whom?) | dem | Wahlergebnis |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | das | Wahlergebnis |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wahlergebnisse |
| Genitive | der | Wahlergebnisse |
| Dative | den | Wahlergebnissen |
| Accusative | die | Wahlergebnisse |
Example Sentences ✍️
- Das offizielle Wahlergebnis wird erst morgen bekannt gegeben.
(The official election result will only be announced tomorrow.) - Alle warteten gespannt auf das Wahlergebnis der Bundestagswahl.
(Everyone waited eagerly for the federal election result.) - Die Analyse des Wahlergebnisses zeigte interessante Verschiebungen.
(The analysis of the election result showed interesting shifts.) - Mit diesem knappen Wahlergebnis hatte niemand gerechnet.
(Nobody had expected this close election result.) - Die Wahlergebnisse der einzelnen Bezirke wurden verglichen.
(The election results of the individual districts were compared.)
🗣️ How to Use 'Wahlergebnis'?
The term das Wahlergebnis is mainly used in political and social contexts:
- Reporting: In news and media reports about elections (e.g., Bundestagswahl (federal election), Landtagswahl (state election), Kommunalwahl (local election)).
- Political Analysis: When discussing and interpreting election outcomes.
- Official Announcements: When official bodies announce the results.
- Everyday Language: Also in general conversation when talking about political events.
People often distinguish between the 'amtliches Wahlergebnis' (official election result) and 'vorläufige Wahlergebnisse' (preliminary election results) or 'Hochrechnungen' (projections based on early counts).
Risk of confusion is low, as the word is very specific. It clearly differs from 'Wahlbeteiligung' (voter turnout – how many people voted) or 'Umfrageergebnis' (poll result – result of an opinion poll before the election).
💡 Mnemonics to Remember
For the Article (das):
Think of 'das Ergebnis' (the result). An election always has one specific 'Ergebnis', and 'Ergebnis' is neuter ('das'). So: das Ergebnis der Wahl = das Wahlergebnis.
For the Meaning:
Imagine a giant scoreboard (like in sports) lighting up with numbers after an exciting 'Wahl' (election). That's the Ergebnis (result) of the Wahl - the Wahlergebnis! 📊🗳️
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Abstimmungsergebnis: Very similar, but also refers to votes/referendums ('Abstimmungen'), not just elections of people/parties.
- Wahlausgang: Describes the general outcome, often less focused on the exact numbers.
- Resultat (der Wahl): A more general term for 'result'.
- Stimmenergebnis: Emphasizes the pure numbers of votes cast.
Antonyms (Opposite Concepts):
There are no direct antonyms, but opposite concepts in the election process include:
- Wahlkampf: The election campaign (phase before the election).
- Wahlvorbereitung: Election preparation (organization before the vote).
- Kandidatur / Nominierung: Candidacy / Nomination (setting up the options).
- Prognose / Hochrechnung: Forecast / Projection (estimates before the final result).
- Wahlbeteiligung: Voter turnout (the act of voting, not the result).
😂 A Little Joke
Ein Politiker fragt den anderen nach der Wahl: "Und, wie ist das Wahlergebnis bei dir ausgefallen?"
Antwortet der andere: "Sehr gerecht! Jeder hat genau das bekommen, was er nicht verdient hat!" 😄
--- Translation ---
One politician asks another after the election: "So, how did the election result turn out for you?"
The other replies: "Very fair! Everyone got exactly what they didn't deserve!" 😄
📜 Poem about the Election Result
Die Stimmzettel gezählt, die Nacht wird lang,
Wer hat gewonnen, wer verlor im Drang?
Am Bildschirm flimmert Zahl um Zahl,
Das Wahlergebnis, Freud' und Qual.
Prozente steigen, fallen schnell,
Die Zukunft hängt am Stimmungspegel hell.
Ein Land hält an, hört auf den Schluss,
Das Ergebnis bringt den neuen Kurs.
--- Translation ---
The ballots counted, the night grows long,
Who has won, who lost in the throng?
On the screen, number after number gleams,
The election result, joys and painful dreams.
Percentages rise, fall fast and steep,
The future hangs on sentiments so deep.
A nation pauses, listens for the end,
The result brings the new course, my friend.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme nach dem Kreuzchenmachen,
bring' Jubel oder Sorgen, Lachen.
Ich zeige, wer die Macht nun hat,
bin das Resultat der ganzen Stadt (oder des Landes).
Was bin ich?
--- Translation ---
I come after the crosses are made,
bringing joy or sorrow, laughter displayed.
I show who now holds the power's seat,
am the result for the city (or country) complete.
What am I?
Solution: Das Wahlergebnis (The election result)
ℹ️ Additional Info
Word Composition:
Wahlergebnis is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:
The article of the compound word is determined by the last part (Grundwort), which is 'das Ergebnis', hence das Wahlergebnis.
Trivia:
In political discussions, the interpretation of election results ('Wahlergebnisse') is often debated. The very same result can be viewed as a success or failure by different parties (keyword: 'gefühlter Sieger' - perceived winner).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wahlergebnis?
The word "Wahlergebnis" is always neuter. The correct article is das Wahlergebnis. It derives from "das Ergebnis" (the result).