der  Haushaltsausschuss

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaʊsˌhaltsˌʔaʊ̯sʃʊs/

💰 What exactly is a Haushaltsausschuss?

The Haushaltsausschuss is a permanent committee within a parliament (e.g., the German Bundestag or a state parliament, Landtag). Its main task is the examination, deliberation, and control of the state budget or the budget of a regional authority.

It plays a central role in parliamentary budget law and oversees the use of public funds. The members of this committee examine the draft budget presented by the government in detail, deliberate on amendments, and make recommendations to the plenary session of the parliament.

In short: The Haushaltsausschuss is the parliament's 'financial watchdog'. The article is der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Haushaltsausschuss

The word "Haushaltsausschuss" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Haushaltsausschuss tagt heute Nachmittag.
   (The budget committee is meeting this afternoon.)
2. Die Entscheidung des Haushaltsausschusses wird mit Spannung erwartet.
   (The decision of the budget committee is eagerly awaited.)
3. Dem Haushaltsausschuss wurden neue Zahlen vorgelegt.
   (New figures were presented to the budget committee.)
4. Die Opposition kritisierte den Haushaltsausschuss scharf.
   (The opposition sharply criticized the budget committee.)
5. Die Haushaltsausschüsse der Länder treffen sich zu einer gemeinsamen Sitzung.
   (The budget committees of the states are meeting for a joint session.)

🏛️ Usage in Context

The term "Haushaltsausschuss" is used almost exclusively in political and administrative contexts. It is discussed in connection with:

• Parliamentary work (Bundestag, Landtage)
• Legislative processes, especially the passing of the budget act (Haushaltsgesetz)
• Control of government spending
• Fiscal policy and public administration

It is a specific technical term. In everyday language, it is rarely used unless discussing political events.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of the committee being presided over by a chairman (historically common), suggesting the masculine 'der'. Or: 'Der Boss' (the boss) of the committee leads the way.

For the meaning: It's a committee (Ausschuss) dealing with the household budget (Haushalt). Picture a committee sitting around a large pot of money (the Haushalt).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Synonyms

• Budgetausschuss: A very common and direct equivalent.
• Finanzausschuss: (Finance Committee) Often used synonymously, but can sometimes cover broader financial policy issues.
• Etat-Ausschuss: (Budget Committee) Less common, but also possible (Etat = budget).

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific body. Opposites could be considered the plenary session of parliament (to which the committee reports) or committees with entirely different responsibilities (e.g., Kulturausschuss - Culture Committee, Verteidigungsausschuss - Defence Committee).

Words easily confused

• Ausschuss (general): Can refer to any committee (e.g., Untersuchungsausschuss - committee of inquiry, Petitionsausschuss - petitions committee). "Haushaltsausschuss" is more specific.
• Rechnungshof: (Court of Auditors) An independent body that audits budget management but is not a parliamentary committee.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Abgeordneter den Vorsitzenden des Haushaltsausschusses: "Ist es wahr, dass unser Haushalt so angespannt ist, dass wir sogar beim Toilettenpapier sparen müssen?"
Antwortet der Vorsitzende: "Nein, aber wir diskutieren darüber, ob wir beidseitig bedrucktes Papier einführen sollen!"

Translation:
A member of parliament asks the chairman of the budget committee: "Is it true that our budget is so tight that we even have to save on toilet paper?"
The chairman replies: "No, but we are discussing whether to introduce double-sided printed paper!"

📜 A Poem about the Committee

Der Haushaltsausschuss, ernst und schlau,
prüft Zahlen, ganz genau.
Wo fließt das Geld hin, Jahr für Jahr?
Ist die Ausgabe wirklich klar?

Millionen, Milliarden, Posten schwer,
sie wägen ab, hin und her.
Für Straßen, Schulen, fürs Militär,
die Entscheidung fällt ihnen nicht leicht, fürwahr.

Ein Ringen um den rechten Plan,
damit das Land gut wirtschaften kann.
Der Ausschuss wacht mit Argusblick,
fürs staatliche Finanzgeschick.

Translation:
The Budget Committee, serious and smart,
Examines numbers, right from the start.
Where does the money go, year by year?
Is the expenditure truly clear?

Millions, billions, items weighty,
They weigh the options, debated greatly.
For roads, for schools, for military might,
The decision isn't easy, day or night.

A struggle for the proper plan,
So the country can manage well, as it can.
The committee watches with an eagle eye,
For the state's financial destiny high.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich sitze im Parlament, doch regiere nicht allein.
Ich prüfe Zahlen, groß und klein.
Der Staatshaushalt ist mein Gebiet,
ich sorge dafür, dass nichts entflieht.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I sit in parliament, but don't govern alone.
I check numbers, large and small, that are shown.
The state budget is my domain,
I make sure nothing goes down the drain.

Who am I?
(Answer: Der Haushaltsausschuss / The Budget Committee)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition

The word "Haushaltsausschuss" is a compound noun, made up of three parts:

• Haushalt: Refers to public finances, the budget (literally 'household').
• -s-: A connecting element ('Fugen-s').
• Ausschuss: A committee or commission appointed for specific tasks.

Together, it means 'committee for the budget'.

Trivia

The Haushaltsausschuss of the German Bundestag is considered one of the most powerful committees because it decides on the release of significant financial resources and thus has considerable influence on the federal government's policies.