der  Kulturausschuss

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʊltuˈʁaʊ̯sʃʊs/

🏛️ What exactly is a Kulturausschuss?

Der Kulturausschuss is a committee, usually within a parliament (like the German Bundestag or a state parliament, Landtag) or a municipal council (like a Stadtrat or Gemeinderat). Its main task is to deliberate on and prepare decisions regarding matters of cultural policy (Kulturpolitik).

This includes topics such as:

• Funding for arts and culture (Theater, Museen, Musik, Literatur, etc.)
• Cultural education (kulturelle Bildung)
• Preservation of historical monuments (Denkmalschutz)
• International cultural relations (internationale Kulturbeziehungen)
• Media policy (Medienpolitik) (sometimes)

The committee discusses draft laws (Gesetzesentwürfe), motions (Anträge), and reports (Berichte), hears experts (Sachverständige), and makes recommendations (Empfehlungen) to the higher body (e.g., the plenary session of the parliament).

So, it's a specialized committee in the political or administrative sphere. ⚠️ It's important to understand that the committee usually prepares and advises; the final decision is often made by the entire parliament or council.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Der Kulturausschuss

The word "Kulturausschuss" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Kulturausschuss tagt heute Nachmittag.
   (The culture committee meets this afternoon.)
2. Die Mitglieder des Kulturausschusses diskutierten den Antrag zur Theaterförderung.
   (The members of the culture committee discussed the motion for theatre funding.)
3. Wir leiten die Anfrage an den Kulturausschuss weiter.
   (We forward the inquiry to the culture committee.)
4. In der Sitzung des Kulturausschusses wurden Experten angehört.
   (Experts were heard in the meeting of the culture committee.)
5. Die verschiedenen Kulturausschüsse der Länder haben unterschiedliche Schwerpunkte.
   (The various culture committees of the states have different focuses.)

🗣️ How is "Kulturausschuss" used?

The term "Kulturausschuss" is used almost exclusively in the context of politics, administration, and institutional cultural funding.

• Typical Contexts: One speaks of the Kulturausschuss of the Bundestag, a Landtag, a Stadtrat, or even international organizations.
• Function: It serves the expert preparation of political decisions in the cultural sector.
• Distinction: A Kulturausschuss is not a private initiative or an association (Verein), but an official body of a corporation (state, municipality, etc.). It is more formal than a 'working group culture' (Arbeitskreis Kultur) or a 'culture regulars' table' (Kulturstammtisch).
• Style: The term belongs more to formal language and the specialized language of politics and administration.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: A committee (Ausschuss) often has a male leader (der Vorsitzende) or is seen as a predominantly male group in traditional contexts. Think der Ausschuss.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a group (an Ausschuss) discussing which Kultur (culture: theatre, music, art) should be funded. Kultur + Ausschuss = Kulturausschuss (committee for culture).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but potentially misleading words:

• Kulturamt: This is an administrative authority (executive branch) that implements cultural policy, whereas the Ausschuss is part of the legislature (parliament/council) and prepares decisions. ('Cultural Office')
• Kulturstiftung: A foundation (often private or semi-public) for cultural funding, not a political committee. ('Cultural Foundation')

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Abgeordneter den anderen: "Warum dauert die Sitzung des Kulturausschusses immer so lange?"
Antwortet der andere: "Weil sie erst mal definieren müssen, was 'Kultur' überhaupt ist – und bis sie damit fertig sind, ist die Legislaturperiode vorbei!" 😉

(One representative asks another: "Why do the culture committee meetings always take so long?"
The other replies: "Because first they have to define what 'culture' actually is – and by the time they're done with that, the legislative period is over!") 😉

📜 A Poem about the Kulturausschuss

Im hohen Haus, bei Rat und Tat,
tagt der Kulturausschuss, früh bis spat.
Es geht um Kunst, Musik, Theater,
Um Fördermittel, mancher Vater
von Ideen hofft auf Budget,
Dass seine Kunst die Welt einst seh'.
Man prüft, berät, gibt Voten ab,
Für Buch, Museum oder Grab
von Dichtern alt. Viel Papier,
Entscheidet über Kunst und Zier.

(In the high house, with counsel and deed,
meets the culture committee, early till late indeed.
It's about art, music, the stage,
About funding, many an originator's page
of ideas hopes for budget's grace,
That their art the world might one day face.
They check, advise, cast their vote,
For book, museum, or the resting note
of poets old. Much paper's sway,
Decides on art and fine display.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Gremium, meist gewählt,
Wo über Kunst und Geld erzählt
Wird, was gefördert werden soll.
Im Rathaus oder Bundestag find'st du mich wohl.
Ich treffe mich, diskutiere viel,
Kulturpolitik ist mein Ziel.

Wer bin ich?
(I am a committee, usually elected,
Where about art and money it's reflected
What should receive support and might.
In the town hall or parliament, I'm likely in sight.
I meet, discuss with much zeal,
Cultural policy is my deal.

Who am I?) (Answer: Der Kulturausschuss / The Culture Committee)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Kulturausschuss" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:

• Die Kultur: Refers to the artistic and intellectual expressions of a society ('culture').
• Der Ausschuss: A group of people selected from a larger organization to perform specific tasks or prepare decisions ('committee').

Together, the meaning is: A committee dealing with matters of culture.

Trivia:

• The exact name and responsibilities of culture committees can vary depending on the German federal state (Bundesland) and municipality (Kommune). Sometimes they are combined with other areas such as education, youth, or media (e.g., "Ausschuss für Kultur und Medien" - 'Committee for Culture and Media').
• Meetings of culture committees are often public (öffentlich), allowing interested citizens to attend.