der
Leitantrag
📜 What does 'der Leitantrag' mean?
A Leitantrag (noun, masculine) is a key motion or leading proposal, typically introduced at party conferences, congresses, or committee meetings in Germany. It outlines the fundamental positions or strategies on an important topic and often serves as the basis for further discussion and decision-making.
Unlike simple motions (Antrag) or amendments (Änderungsantrag), a Leitantrag usually has a more comprehensive scope and is often drafted by the executive board or a leading group.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
🧐 Grammatical Compass: Der Leitantrag
The word "Leitantrag" is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Leitantrag |
| Genitive | des | Leitantrags / Leitantrages |
| Dative | dem | Leitantrag / Leitantrage |
| Accusative | den | Leitantrag |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Leitanträge |
| Genitive | der | Leitanträge |
| Dative | den | Leitanträgen |
| Accusative | die | Leitanträge |
Example Sentences
- Der Parteivorstand legte einen umfassenden Leitantrag zur Klimapolitik vor.
The party executive committee presented a comprehensive key motion on climate policy. - Über den Leitantrag wurde stundenlang debattiert.
The key motion was debated for hours. - Die Delegierten stimmten mehrheitlich für den Leitantrag des Präsidiums.
The delegates voted by majority for the presidium's key motion. - Im Anhang des Leitantrags finden sich detaillierte Begründungen.
Detailed justifications can be found in the appendix of the key motion.
🎯 When and how to use 'Leitantrag'?
The term Leitantrag is primarily used in political and organizational contexts, especially at:
- Parteitagen (party conferences) of political parties
- Kongressen (congresses) of associations and organizations
- Hauptversammlungen (general meetings) of clubs
- Important committee meetings (Gremiensitzungen)
It signals that this is not just any motion (Antrag), but one intended to set a fundamental direction (leitend = leading). It often serves to achieve broad agreement on a core position before detailed issues are addressed in other motions.
Distinction: While a simple Antrag might propose a specific measure or change, a Leitantrag often defines the strategic line or the basic program.
🧠 Mnemonics for Leitantrag
Remembering the Article: Think of the basic word Antrag (motion), which is masculine (der Antrag). Since this motion leads the way, it remains masculine and strong: der Leitantrag.
Remembering the Meaning: Imagine a 'lead' dog ('Leithund') guiding the sled team. The Leitantrag 'leads' the discussion or the organization in a specific direction.
🔄 Similar and Contrasting Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
Antonyms/Contrasts (Opposite or Different):
- Änderungsantrag: (Amendment) Aims to modify an existing (key) motion.
- Zusatzantrag: (Supplementary motion) Adds specific points to a main motion.
- Initiativantrag: (Initiative motion) Often comes from the grassroots, not necessarily the leadership.
- Spontanantrag: (Spontaneous motion) Introduced on short notice, often without prior announcement.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum sind Leitanträge auf Parteitagen oft so lang?
Damit die Delegierten während der Lesung genug Zeit haben, Kaffee zu holen und zu überlegen, ob sie dafür oder dagegen sind – oder ob sie noch einen Änderungsantrag zum Kaffeepreis stellen sollten! 😉
Why are key motions at party conferences often so long?
So that during the reading, the delegates have enough time to get coffee and think about whether they are for or against it – or whether they should submit an amendment regarding the coffee price! 😉
✍️ A Little Poem
Der Vorstand tagt, die Köpfe rauchen,
ein Papier muss her, sie können's kaum erwarten.
Ein Leitantrag, klar und stark,
weist den Weg, setzt eine Mark'.
Für Strategie und Vision,
die Basis für die nächste Mission.
Debattiert wird heiß und lang,
bis Zustimmung findet ihren Klang.
The board confers, with thoughts intense,
A paper's needed, makes perfect sense.
A Leitantrag, clear and bold,
Shows the way, a story told.
For strategy and vision bright,
The base for missions, day and night.
Debated hot, debated long,
Until agreement sounds its song.
❓ What am I?
Ich bin kein kleiner Wunsch, kein kurzer Ruf,
ich forme die Richtung, gebe den Schliff.
Auf großen Treffen bin ich der Star,
vom Vorstand komm' ich, das ist sonnenklar.
Ich leite die Debatte, zeige das Ziel,
bin oft sehr lang und voller Gefühl (oder Kalkül).
Wer bin ich?
Lösung: der Leitantrag
I'm not a small wish, not a brief call,
I shape the direction, refining all.
At big meetings, I'm the main feature,
From the board I come, it's clear to each creature.
I lead the debate, show the goal so grand,
Am often quite long, throughout the whole land (or planned).
What am I?
Solution: der Leitantrag (the key motion)
ℹ️ Trivia and Word Composition
The term Leitantrag is composed of:
- leiten: The verb meaning to lead, to guide, to direct. It's also found in words like 'Leitfaden' (guideline), 'Leitplanke' (guardrail), or 'Leitbild' (mission statement/guiding principle).
- Antrag: A formal proposal, motion, or application to be decided upon.
Together, the meaning is thus: a motion that leads or sets the direction.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Leitantrag?
The word "Leitantrag" is always masculine. The correct article is der: der Leitantrag (Nominative singular), des Leitantrags (Genitive singular), die Leitanträge (Nominative plural).