der  Bundestagswahlkampf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəsˌtaːksˌvaːlˌkampf/

🗳️ What Exactly is a Bundestagswahlkampf?

Der Bundestagswahlkampf refers to the phase before a federal election (Bundestagswahl) in Germany, during which political parties and candidates intensively campaign for voters' support. It's the period of political debate, election rallies, posters, and discussions aimed at convincing voters of their positions and winning a majority in the Bundestag (the German federal parliament).

The word is composed of:

• Bundestag: The German federal parliament.
• Wahl: Election or vote.
• Kampf: Struggle or campaign; here used in the sense of a contest for votes and political power.

The article is always der (masculine) because the final component, der Kampf, is masculine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Bundestagswahlkampf

The noun Bundestagswahlkampf is masculine.

Example Sentences

1. Der Bundestagswahlkampf 2021 war besonders spannend.
   (The 2021 federal election campaign was particularly exciting.)
2. Während des Bundestagswahlkampfes werden viele Debatten im Fernsehen übertragen.
   (During the federal election campaign, many debates are broadcast on TV.)
3. Die Parteien investieren viel Geld in ihren Bundestagswahlkampf.
   (The parties invest a lot of money in their federal election campaign.)
4. Die Analyse vergangener Bundestagswahlkämpfe zeigt interessante Trends.
   (The analysis of past federal election campaigns shows interesting trends.)

🗣️ How is Bundestagswahlkampf Used?

The term Bundestagswahlkampf is primarily used in political and media contexts.

• Timing: It describes the weeks and months immediately preceding a Bundestagswahl (federal election).
• Intensity: The word often emphasizes the intense, sometimes aggressive nature of competing for votes (due to the component Kampf - 'struggle' or 'fight').
• Context: People discuss strategies in the Bundestagswahlkampf, the financing of the Bundestagswahlkampf, defining events during a Bundestagswahlkampf, etc.
• Distinction: It is distinct from other election campaigns, such as a Landtagswahlkampf (state election campaign) or a Europawahlkampf (European election campaign).

💡 Memory Aids for the Word

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Kampf" (the fight/struggle). An election campaign is often a tough competition, a 'fight' for votes. Since Kampf is masculine (der Kampf), der Bundestagswahlkampf is also masculine.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Bundestag (Federal Parliament) + Wahl (Election) + Kampf (Campaign/Struggle). It's logically about the campaign for the election to the Bundestag.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Terms (Beware of Confusion!):

• Landtagswahlkampf: Election campaign for a state parliament.
• Kommunalwahlkampf: Election campaign at the local/municipal level.
• Europawahlkampf: Election campaign for the European Parliament.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Politiker im Bundestagswahlkampf und einem Langstreckenläufer?

Antwort: Der Langstreckenläufer weiß wenigstens, wann er aufhören muss zu rennen!

Question: What's the difference between a politician during the federal election campaign and a long-distance runner?

Answer: At least the long-distance runner knows when to stop running!

📜 Poem about the Campaign

Plakate an jeder Laterne,
Versprechen aus nah und ferne.
Der Kanzlerkandidat spricht,
verändert oft sein Gesicht.
Debatten heiß, die Luft vibriert,
wer am Ende wohl triumphiert?
Der Bürger schaut, hört und wählt,
im Bundestagswahlkampf, der zählt.

Translation:
Posters on every lamppost bright,
Promises from far and near in sight.
The chancellor candidate speaks their piece,
Often changing their face with ease.
Debates are hot, the air does hum,
Who will triumph when the day has come?
The citizen watches, listens, casts their vote,
In the federal election campaign of note.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme alle vier Jahre (meistens) wieder,
bin laut, bunt und sing' politische Lieder.
Parteien streiten sich um die Macht im Haus,
das in Berlin steht, tagein, tagaus.
Man klebt mein Gesicht an jede Wand,
ich bin der __________ im ganzen Land.

Translation:
I return every four years (mostly), it's true,
I'm loud, colorful, singing political songs for you.
Parties fight for power in the house,
That stands in Berlin, attracting every louse.
My face is plastered on every wall,
I am the __________ throughout the land, standing tall.

(Answer: Bundestagswahlkampf)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

Bundestagswahlkampf is a compound noun (Kompositum), a typical feature of the German language. It consists of three main parts, linked by a connecting 's' (Fugen-s):

• Bundestag (noun: federal parliament)
• -s- (linking element)
• Wahl (noun: election)
• Kampf (noun: campaign/struggle)

The grammatical gender (masculine) is determined by the last component, der Kampf.

Significance in Germany

The Bundestagswahlkampf is a central event in German democracy. It mobilizes voters, shapes the political agenda, and determines the composition of the government for the next legislative period.