der  Gesundheitsminister

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈzʊntˌhaɪtsˌmɪnɪstɐ/

🩺 What does 'der Gesundheitsminister' mean?

Der Gesundheitsminister refers to the male person who heads the Ministry of Health (Gesundheitsministerium) of a country or federal state. This person is responsible for health policy (Gesundheitspolitik), the healthcare system (Gesundheitswesen), and related areas.

It's a specific job title within a political context. The female equivalent is 'die Gesundheitsministerin'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Gesundheitsminister

The noun 'Gesundheitsminister' is masculine and uses the article 'der'. It follows the weak N-declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Gesundheitsminister stellte die neue Reform vor. (The Health Minister presented the new reform.)
• Die Rede des Gesundheitsministers wurde aufmerksam verfolgt. (The Health Minister's speech was followed attentively.)
• Man überreichte dem Gesundheitsminister eine Petition. (A petition was handed over to the Health Minister.)
• Die Journalisten befragten den Gesundheitsminister zur aktuellen Lage. (The journalists asked the Health Minister about the current situation.)
• Die Gesundheitsminister der Länder trafen sich zu einer Konferenz. (The health ministers of the states met for a conference.)

🗣️ How 'Gesundheitsminister' is used

The term 'Gesundheitsminister' is mainly used in news reports, political discussions, and official communications. It refers to the person holding the respective government office.

• Context: Politics (Politik), administration (Verwaltung), healthcare (Gesundheitswesen), media reporting (Medienberichterstattung).
• Usage: Always refers to a male person in this role. For a woman, 'Gesundheitsministerin' is used. In general or unspecified cases, the masculine form is sometimes used generically, but this is increasingly controversial (keyword: Gendern - gender-inclusive language).
• Distinction: Not to be confused with other ministerial posts (e.g., Finanzminister - Finance Minister, Außenminister - Foreign Minister) or officials in the health sector (e.g., Amtsarzt - public health officer).

🧠 Mnemonics

Article 'der': Remember: Der is the masculine article. A Minister is usually a male role historically (though not exclusively now!), and 'Minister' itself is masculine in German. Think of 'the' man who is the minister.

Meaning: Imagine the minister striding gesund (healthy) through his ministry, ensuring the Gesundheit (health) of the nation. He is the master (like Minister) of health.

🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms

There are no direct antonyms for this job title.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Arzt den Gesundheitsminister: "Haben Sie meine Rechnung bekommen?" Sagt der Minister: "Ja, aber die Reform zur Kostensenkung kommt erst noch!"

(Doctor asks the Health Minister: "Did you receive my bill?" The Minister replies: "Yes, but the cost-cutting reform hasn't happened yet!")

📜 A Poem about the Minister

Der Gesundheitsminister, wichtig und bekannt,
Hält die Fäden fest in seiner Hand.
Für Kliniken, Ärzte, Pillen klein,
Soll alles wohlgeordnet sein.
Mit Plänen, Reden, Tag für Tag,
Kämpft er gegen manche Plag'.
Für unser Wohl, so heißt es hier,
Steht er an des Ressorts Tür.

(The Health Minister, important and known,
Holds the strings firmly in his hand alone.
For clinics, doctors, pills so small,
Everything should be well-ordered for all.
With plans and speeches, day by day,
He fights against many a plague's sway.
For our well-being, it is said here,
He stands at the department's door, ever near.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich leite ein Amt, das sich ums Wohlsein dreht,
Sorge dafür, dass es uns allen besser geht.
Ich spreche über Viren, Pflege, Medizin,
Bin Teil der Regierung, stecke mittendrin.
Mein Titel ist männlich, im Plural sind's mehr,
Wer bin ich? Na klar, ...

(I head an office concerned with well-being,
Ensure that things improve for all human beings.
I talk about viruses, care, and medicine,
Am part of the government, right in the din.
My title is masculine, plural means more,
Who am I? Of course, ... )

Solution: der Gesundheitsminister

💡 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

• The word is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of 'Gesundheit' + 'Minister'.
• Gesundheit: Refers to health (physical, mental, and social well-being).
• Minister: Derived from Latin 'minister' (servant, helper), now a high government position.

Trivia:

• The exact duties and powers of a Gesundheitsminister can vary depending on the country and system of government.
• Notable German federal health ministers include Ulla Schmidt, Philipp Rösler, Hermann Gröhe, Jens Spahn, and currently Karl Lauterbach (as of 2023).