der  Kommunalpolitiker

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔmunalpoliˈtiːkɐ/

🗳️ What exactly is a Kommunalpolitiker?

A Kommunalpolitiker is a person who is politically active at the local level (kommunal). This means he or she is involved in the politics of a Gemeinde (municipality), a Stadt (city), or a Landkreis (rural district).

It is a masculine noun, and the corresponding article is der. The feminine form is die Kommunalpolitikerin.

Kommunalpolitiker make decisions that directly affect the daily lives of citizens, such as those concerning schools, road construction, local taxes, or public facilities.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'der Kommunalpolitiker'

The noun 'Kommunalpolitiker' is masculine. It follows the n-declension pattern when referring to a person (similar to 'der Junge'), meaning it adds an -(e)n ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Kommunalpolitiker sprach auf der Bürgerversammlung.
   (The local politician spoke at the citizens' meeting.)
2. Die Vorschläge des Kommunalpolitikers wurden diskutiert.
   (The local politician's proposals were discussed.)
3. Wir danken dem engagierten Kommunalpolitiker für seinen Einsatz.
   (We thank the dedicated local politician for his commitment.)
4. Man kennt den örtlichen Kommunalpolitiker gut.
   (People know the local politician well.)
5. Viele Kommunalpolitiker arbeiten ehrenamtlich.
   (Many local politicians work on a voluntary basis.)

🏢 When to use 'Kommunalpolitiker'?

The term 'Kommunalpolitiker' is used to refer to people who hold political offices or mandates at the level of municipalities (Gemeinden), cities (Städte), or districts (Kreise), or who are actively involved in politics there.

• Context: Discussions about local politics, elections (e.g., mayoral election, city council election), reporting on community meetings or district council sessions.
• Distinction: In contrast to Landespolitikern (politicians active at the state level) or Bundespolitikern (politicians active at the national level, e.g., in the Bundestag).
• Forms: The feminine form is 'die Kommunalpolitikerin'. The plural form 'die Kommunalpolitiker' refers to multiple male politicians or a mixed group at this level.

The term emphasizes responsibility for local affairs (lokale Angelegenheiten) and proximity to the citizens on the ground.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article: Think of DER Mayor – the main man in town hall. He's often a DER Kommunalpolitiker. 'Der' is the masculine article.

For the Meaning: The word starts with "Kommunal", which sounds like "communal" or relates to the German word Kommune (municipality). A Kommunalpolitiker is a politician for the local community.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential Confusion):

• Politologe: (Political scientist) - A scholar who studies politics (not necessarily a politician).
• Beamter: (Civil servant/official) - Person in public service performing administrative tasks (not necessarily politically elected or active).

😂 A Little Joke

Ein Bürger fragt den Kommunalpolitiker: "Sagen Sie mal, warum sind eigentlich alle Gullydeckel rund?"

Antwortet der Kommunalpolitiker nachdenklich: "Das ist eine wichtige Frage für unsere Gemeinde! Ich werde sofort einen Arbeitskreis gründen, der sich mit eckigen Alternativen beschäftigt und die Auswirkungen auf den Tourismus prüft!"

Translation:

A citizen asks the local politician: "Tell me, why are all manhole covers actually round?"

The local politician replies thoughtfully: "That's an important question for our community! I will immediately set up a working group to look into square alternatives and examine the impact on tourism!"

📜 Poem about the Kommunalpolitiker

Im Rathaus, Tag für Tag bereit,
Der Kommunalpolitiker, weit und breit.
Für Straßen, Schulen, Park und Platz,
Hört zu, entscheidet mit Bedacht.

Mal Lob, mal Tadel, Stürme, Wind,
Er kämpft für das, was wichtig sind
Für seine Stadt, sein Dorf, sein Land,
Nimmt Bürger Sorgen an die Hand.

Translation:

In the town hall, ready day by day,
The local politician, near and far away.
For streets, schools, park, and square,
Listens, decides with thoughtful care.

Sometimes praise, sometimes blame, storms, wind,
He fights for what is important, defined
For his city, his village, his land,
Takes citizens' worries by the hand.

❓ Riddle: Who am I?

Ich sitze oft im Rat, nicht fern,
Entscheide über Gaslantern'.
Ich kümmre mich um deinen Ort,
Bin für lokale Dinge Wort für Wort.
Mal Bürgermeister, mal im Gremium klein,
Wer mag ich nur auf Gemeindeebene sein?

Lösung: Der Kommunalpolitiker

Translation:

I often sit in council, not far away,
Decide on gas lamps, come what may.
I take care of your local place,
Am word for word on local case.
Sometimes mayor, sometimes in a small committee's line,
Who might I be at the municipal design?

Answer: The Kommunalpolitiker (local politician)

💡 Other Interesting Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Kommunalpolitiker' is composed of:

• Kommunal: Adjective derived from 'Kommune' (municipality, local administrative unit). It refers to matters of the municipality or district.
• Politiker: Noun, meaning politician (person active in politics).

Together, it describes a person active in politics at the local level.

Significance in the System: Kommunalpolitiker form the basis of political decision-making in Germany and are often the primary link between citizens and politics. They deal with issues that directly impact the local community.