der
Parlamentarier
🏛️ What exactly is a Parlamentarier?
A Parlamentarier (with the article der) is a male member of a parliament. He is an elected representative of the people who participates in legislation and government oversight.
Examples of parliaments include the German Bundestag, a state parliament (Landtag), or the European Parliament.
The female form is die Parlamentarierin.
It refers to a person who sits in a parliament and makes or prepares political decisions there. The term is closely linked to democratic systems.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar: The declension of 'der Parlamentarier'
The noun 'Parlamentarier' is masculine and follows the weak declension (N-declension only in the plural dative).
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Parlamentarier |
| Genitive | des | Parlamentariers |
| Dative | dem | Parlamentarier |
| Accusative | den | Parlamentarier |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Parlamentarier |
| Genitive | der | Parlamentarier |
| Dative | den | Parlamentariern |
| Accusative | die | Parlamentarier |
Example Sentences
- Der erfahrene Parlamentarier hielt eine Rede im Plenum.
The experienced member of parliament gave a speech in the plenary session. - Die Argumente des Parlamentariers überzeugten viele Abgeordnete.
The member of parliament's arguments convinced many representatives. - Man überreichte dem Parlamentarier eine Petition.
A petition was presented to the member of parliament. - Die Journalisten befragten den Parlamentarier zu seinen Zielen.
The journalists asked the member of parliament about his goals. - Viele Parlamentarier diskutierten den Gesetzesentwurf bis spät in die Nacht.
Many members of parliament discussed the draft law late into the night.
💬 How is 'Parlamentarier' used?
The term Parlamentarier is mainly used in political and journalistic language. It formally denotes a member of a legislative assembly.
- Context: Politics, news, discussions about legislation, government work.
- Distinction: While 'Politiker' (politician) is a more general term (mayors or ministers can also be politicians without sitting directly in parliament), 'Parlamentarier' specifically refers to members of a parliament (e.g., MdB - Mitglied des Bundestages - Member of the Bundestag). 'Abgeordneter' is a common synonym.
- Formality: A rather formal term, but widely used.
🧠 Mnemonics for Memorization
Here are a couple of memory aids:
Article 'der': Think of a man who derides poor arguments in parliament – der Parlamentarier. (Note: 'deride' is just for sound similarity, not meaning). Or simply, 'der' is the masculine article, and Parlamentarier refers to a male MP.
Meaning: A Parlament is where people parley (talk). A Parlamentarier is someone who works there.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Abgeordneter: Very common synonym (representative, delegate).
- Volksvertreter: Emphasizes the role as a representative of the people.
- Deputierter: Rather dated or used in specific contexts (e.g., historical).
- Mandatsträger: Refers to holding a mandate from the voters.
Antonyms (Opposite Concepts):
⚠️ Note: 'Politiker' (politician) is not always a synonym, as it's broader.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Bürger einen Parlamentarier: "Sagen Sie mal, ist es schwierig, all die Gesetze zu verstehen, über die Sie abstimmen?"
Antwortet der Parlamentarier: "Nein, die Gesetze zu verstehen ist nicht schwierig. Schwierig ist es nur, danach noch ruhig schlafen zu können." 😉
Translation:
A citizen asks a member of parliament: "Tell me, is it difficult to understand all the laws you vote on?"
The MP replies: "No, understanding the laws isn't difficult. The only difficult part is being able to sleep peacefully afterwards." 😉
✍️ A Poem about the Parlamentarier
Im Hohen Haus, bei Tag und Nacht,
hat der Parlamentarier die Macht.
Er debattiert, stimmt ab, berät,
bis spät der Zeiger weiterdreht.
Fürs Volk soll er Gesetze schaffen,
sich mit Problemen ernsthaft raffen.
Ein Diener seines Wahlbezirks,
so steht's geschrieben – hoffentlich wirkt's!
Translation:
In the High House, by day and night,
The parliamentarian holds the might.
He debates, votes, consults with care,
Till late the clock hand turns up there.
For the people, laws he should create,
With problems grapple, seal their fate.
A servant of his district's call,
So it is written – hope it stands tall!
❓ Riddle Time
Ich sitze in einem großen Saal,
gewählt durch eine freie Wahl.
Ich spreche viel und stimme ab,
halt' die Regierung oft auf Trab.
Mein Titel endet meist auf '-er',
wer bin ich, sag es mir nun, Herr?
... Der Parlamentarier
Translation:
I sit in a large hall, you see,
Elected by democracy.
I talk a lot and cast my vote,
Keeping the government afloat (or busy).
My title often ends in '-er',
Who am I? Tell me now, dear sir!
... The Parliamentarian (der Parlamentarier)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word 'Parlamentarier' is derived from the word 'Parlament'. 'Parlament' itself comes from the French verb 'parler', meaning 'to speak'. So, a parliament is originally a place where people speak and deliberate.
International Context:
The term and function are similar in many democratic countries, although the exact titles vary (e.g., Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK, Congressman/Congresswoman in the USA).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Parlamentarier?
The word 'Parlamentarier' is masculine. The correct article is der Parlamentarier (singular) and die Parlamentarier (plural). It refers to a male member of parliament.