der / die  Abgeordnete

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈapɡəʔɔʁdnətə/

🏛️ What does Abgeordnete(r) mean?

The word Abgeordnete(r) is a nominalized past participle of the verb abordnen (to delegate, to send). It refers to a person who has been sent by a group (e.g., voters, a party, an organization) to represent their interests in a body (such as a parliament, an assembly, or a conference).

Depending on the gender of the person, the corresponding article is used:

• der Abgeordnete: Refers to a male person elected or delegated as a representative (e.g., a male member of the German Bundestag).
• die Abgeordnete: Refers to a female person elected or delegated as a representative (e.g., a female member of the German Bundestag).

🚨 Attention: The word follows the declension patterns of adjectives used as nouns (adjectival declension).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: der/die Abgeordnete

"Abgeordnete(r)" is a nominalized adjective (specifically, a past participle). Its declension depends on gender and case, following the rules of adjectival declension (mostly weak declension after a definite article).

Declension of der Abgeordnete (masculine)

Declension of die Abgeordnete (feminine)

Note: The plural form is the same for both genders ("die Abgeordneten").

📝 Examples

• Der Abgeordnete hält eine Rede im Parlament. (The [male] representative gives a speech in parliament.)
• Wir haben den Abgeordneten zu seiner Meinung befragt. (We asked the [male] representative for his opinion.)
• Die Abgeordnete setzt sich für Frauenrechte ein. (The [female] representative advocates for women's rights.)
• Die Wähler vertrauen der Abgeordneten. (The voters trust the [female] representative.)
• Die Vorschläge der Abgeordneten wurden diskutiert. (The representatives' proposals were discussed. - Plural or Genitive Singular Feminine/Plural)

💼 Usage in Context

The term Abgeordnete(r) is almost exclusively used in political or organizational contexts. It's the standard term for members of parliaments at various levels (e.g., Bundestag (federal parliament), Landtag (state parliament), Europäisches Parlament (European Parliament)).

• Typical Usage: Member of Parliament (MdB - Mitglied des Bundestages, MdL - Mitglied des Landtages, MdEP - Mitglied des Europäischen Parlaments).
• Other Contexts: Representatives in delegations, committees, or other bodies with a representative function.
• Distinction: While `Delegierte(r)` (delegate) is often interchangeable, `Abgeordnete(r)` emphasizes the election or formal delegation to a legislative or representative body more strongly. `Volksvertreter(in)` (people's representative) is a synonym highlighting democratic legitimacy.

💡 Mnemonics

For the articles: Imagine a man (der) and a woman (die) being 'ordered off' (a rough sound association for abgeordnet) to attend an important meeting. This helps remember der Abgeordnete (m) and die Abgeordnete (f).

For the meaning: Think of 'abgeordnet' as being 'delegated' or 'ordered' (geordnet) 'away' (ab-) from their usual place to fulfill a specific task – representing others.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but distinct terms:

• Beamter/Beamtin: Civil servant - Works in administration, typically not elected.
• Minister(in): Minister - Member of the government (executive).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Abgeordnete immer einen Bleistift mit ins Parlament?
Damit sie ihre Meinung ändern können!

(Why do representatives always take a pencil to parliament?
So they can change their minds!)

✍️ Poem about Abgeordnete

Im hohen Haus, tagaus, tagein,
sitzt der Abgeordnete, fein.
Und nebenan, mit gleichem Sinn,
kämpft die Abgeordnete, mittendrin.
Fürs Volk zu sprechen, ist ihr Ziel,
ob Mann, ob Frau, das zählt nicht viel.
Sie sind gesandt, mit Stimm' und Rat,
Vertreter ihrer Wählerschaft.

(In the high house, day out, day in,
sits the [male] representative, so keen.
And next door, with the same intent,
fights the [female] representative, heaven-sent.
To speak for the people is their goal,
whether man or woman, plays little role.
They are delegated, with voice and advice,
Representatives of their voters' choice.)

🧩 Riddle

Ich werde gewählt, um zu vertreten,
ob Mann, ob Frau, auf den politischen Parketten.
Im Parlament ist mein Platz,
ich diskutiere Satz für Satz.
Mal heiß umstritten, mal geehrt,
wer bin ich, wenn man richtig hört?

(I am elected to represent,
whether man or woman, on political floors I'm sent.
In parliament is my place,
I discuss sentence by sentence, case by case.
Sometimes hotly debated, sometimes revered,
who am I, if you've properly heard?)

Solution: Der Abgeordnete / Die Abgeordnete (The [male/female] representative/delegate/MP)

💡 Other Information

• Word Origin: As mentioned, from abordnen (to delegate, send off). Composed of the prefix "ab-" (off, away) and the past participle of "ordnen" in the sense of 'assigning' or 'appointing'.
• Context Germany: In the German Bundestag (MdB) and the state parliaments (Landtage, MdL), Abgeordnete are the elected representatives of the people. They enjoy parliamentary immunity (Immunität) and indemnity (Indemnität).
• Nominalized Adjectives: Words like Abgeordnete(r), Beamte(r) (civil servant), Angestellte(r) (employee), Reisende(r) (traveler) all follow the special declension rules for adjectives used as nouns.