das  Wirtschaftswachstum

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɪʁtʃaftsvaxstʊm/

📈 What does 'das Wirtschaftswachstum' mean?

Das Wirtschaftswachstum (neuter noun) refers to the increase in the economic capacity of a national economy over a specific period. It is usually measured by the change in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), known in German as das Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP).

It's a central term in economics (die Volkswirtschaftslehre) and economic policy (die Wirtschaftspolitik). Positive Wirtschaftswachstum is often seen as a sign of prosperity (der Wohlstand) and progress (der Fortschritt), while negative growth (Schrumpfung or Rezession) is considered problematic.

The word only takes the article das. There are no different meanings based on the article.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: das Wirtschaftswachstum

The word „Wirtschaftswachstum“ is a neuter noun (sächlich). It is normally only used in the singular.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural form („die Wirtschaftswachstümer“) is very uncommon and practically never used in technical language. Instead, one talks about Wachstumsphasen (growth phases), Wachstumsraten (growth rates) of different countries or sectors.

💡 Examples

1. Die Regierung hofft auf ein starkes Wirtschaftswachstum im nächsten Jahr.
   (The government hopes for strong economic growth next year.)
2. Das Wirtschaftswachstum in Deutschland lag letztes Quartal bei 0,5 Prozent.
   (Economic growth in Germany was 0.5 percent last quarter.)
3. Die Folgen des geringen Wirtschaftswachstums sind spürbar.
   (The consequences of low economic growth are noticeable.)

🗣️ How to use 'Wirtschaftswachstum'?

„Wirtschaftswachstum“ is a key term in discussions about:

• Economic policy (die Wirtschaftspolitik): Governments and central banks often aim to promote Wirtschaftswachstum.
• News and analysis: Reports on a country's economic situation almost always mention das Wirtschaftswachstum.
• Business strategy: Companies consider the general Wirtschaftswachstum in their planning.

It's important to distinguish Wirtschaftswachstum (quantitative increase in GDP) from Konjunktur (cyclical fluctuations in economic activity), although they are related.

⚠️ Caution: High Wirtschaftswachstum does not automatically equate to an improvement in the quality of life for everyone or ecological sustainability. These aspects are often discussed separately.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'das system' (the system) or 'das phenomenon' of growth. Abstract concepts in German often use 'das'. Das Wirtschaftswachstum is an abstract economic phenomenon.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Wirtschaft sounds like 'worth shaft' (the engine of value/economy) and Wachstum sounds like 'wax tomb' (growing bigger). So, the 'worth shaft' is 'growing bigger' -> economic growth.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but not identical terms:

• Konjunktur: Refers to the fluctuations in economic activity (upswing, boom, downswing, recession). Wachstum is the long-term trend.
• Entwicklung (development): Can also refer to qualitative aspects (e.g., social development, technological development), not just quantitative growth.

😄 A Little Joke

Ein Politiker fragt den anderen: „Was hältst du vom Wirtschaftswachstum?“
(One politician asks another: "What do you think of economic growth?")

Antwortet der andere: „Prinzipiell eine gute Sache, solange es nicht aufhört, wenn ich gerade investiert habe!“
(The other replies: "In principle, a good thing, as long as it doesn't stop right when I've invested!")

📜 A Short Poem

Die Zahlen steigen, das BIP rennt,
(The numbers rise, the GDP runs,)
Das Wirtschaftswachstum, jeder kennt.
(Economic growth, everyone knows.)
Mehr Güter, mehr Geld, so der Plan,
(More goods, more money, that's the plan,)
doch fragt sich mancher: Wohin führt die Bahn?
(but some wonder: Where does this track lead?)
Ist Wachstum allein das höchste Ziel,
(Is growth alone the highest goal,)
oder braucht die Welt ein anderes Gefühl?
(or does the world need a different feel?)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe keinen Körper, doch ich kann steigen oder fallen.
(I have no body, yet I can rise or fall.)
Politiker lieben mich, wenn ich groß bin, Ökonomen messen mich in Prozentzahlen.
(Politicians love me when I'm big, economists measure me in percentages.)
Ich bin das Ziel vieler Länder, gemessen oft am BIP.
(I am the goal of many countries, often measured by GDP.)
Was bin ich?
(What am I?)

Answer: Das Wirtschaftswachstum (Economic Growth)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word „Wirtschaftswachstum“ is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), composed of:

• Die Wirtschaft: The economy; the entirety of institutions and processes serving the production and distribution of goods and services.
• Das Wachstum: Growth, increase.

The connecting 's' („Wirtschaftswachstum“) links the two parts (this is called Fugen-s).

Significance in Debate

Wirtschaftswachstum is a frequently discussed topic, often caught between economic necessity, social justice, and ecological sustainability (the "limits to growth" debate).