der  Stadtrat

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtatˌʁaːt/

🏛️ What exactly is a 'Stadtrat'?

The German word der Stadtrat has two main meanings, both masculine:

• The Institution/Body: It refers to the elected assembly responsible for the administration and legislation of a city (similar to a city council or municipal council). In this sense, it's often used as a collective noun.
• The Person: It refers to an individual male member of this body, i.e., a city councillor or alderman. (The female form is die Stadträtin).

Although both meanings use the article 'der', it's important to infer from the context whether the council (Gremium) or a person (Person) is meant. 🚨 Be aware: Sometimes the term die Stadtverwaltung (city administration) is used, but this is not identical. The Verwaltung executes the decisions made by the Stadtrat.

The Grammar Behind 'der Stadtrat'

Der Stadtrat is a masculine noun. The declension varies slightly depending on whether the council or the person is meant, especially in the plural, although the plural form itself is the same.

Declension (Singular - Council & Person)

Declension (Plural)

Note: The plural form for both meanings is identical: 'die Stadträte'.

Example Sentences 📜

1. (Council) Der Stadtrat hat gestern über den neuen Bebauungsplan abgestimmt.
   (Yesterday, the city council voted on the new development plan.)
2. (Council) Die Sitzung des Stadtrates dauerte bis spät in die Nacht.
   (The city council meeting lasted late into the night.)
3. (Person) Herr Müller ist seit zehn Jahren Stadtrat in unserer Gemeinde.
   (Mr. Müller has been a city councillor in our municipality for ten years.)
4. (Persons) Die Stadträte der Opposition stimmten gegen den Vorschlag.
   (The opposition councillors voted against the proposal.)
5. (Councils) Die Stadträte mehrerer Nachbargemeinden trafen sich zu einer Konferenz.
   (The city councils of several neighbouring municipalities met for a conference.)

Everyday Use: When to Say 'Stadtrat'

Der Stadtrat is mainly used in political and administrative contexts.

• As the council/body: When talking about decisions, meetings, or the composition of the municipal parliament. Example: "Der Stadtrat tagt nächsten Dienstag." (The city council meets next Tuesday.)
• As a person: When referring to a specific male member of this body or talking about the role. Example: "Sie wurde zur Stadträtin gewählt." (She was elected city councillor - using the female form 'die Stadträtin'). Example: "Er ist ein engagierter Stadtrat." (He is a dedicated city councillor.)

Context is Key:

• "Der Stadtrat beschließt..." (The city council decides...) - Usually refers to the body.
• "Ein Stadtrat meldet sich zu Wort..." (A city councillor speaks up...) - Clearly refers to a person.
• "Die Mitglieder des Stadtrats..." (The members of the city council...) - Refers to the individuals within the body.

Alternative Terms: Depending on the region (Bundesland) and city size, terms like Gemeinderat (more common for smaller municipalities), Stadtverordnetenversammlung (e.g., in Hesse, Brandenburg), or Bürgerschaft (in Hanseatic cities like Hamburg, Bremen) might be used synonymously or with slightly different meanings.

Memory Aids for 'der Stadtrat'

Mnemonic for the Article (der):

Think of the city's advisor ('Ratgeber') – that's der Stadtrat. 'Der Rat' (advice, council) is masculine, so 'der Stadtrat' is too. He gives the advice for the Stadt.

Mnemonic for the Meanings:

Der Stadtrat is like a conductor (der Dirigent, a person) leading the orchestra (the council/body, also called der Stadtrat). One person leads, but the whole group works together for the city (Stadt).

Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion ⚠️

• Stadtverwaltung: This is the city administration, the executive branch that implements the decisions of the Stadtrat. The Stadtrat is the legislative body at the local level.
• Bürgermeister/Oberbürgermeister: (Mayor/Lord Mayor) Is often the head of the Stadtrat and the administration, but it's a separate position.

A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Bürger den anderen: "Warum sind die Sitzungen des Stadtrats manchmal so lang?" Antwortet der andere: "Na ja, 'Rat' heißt ja auch 'Vorrat'. Sie legen sich wohl einen Vorrat an Argumenten an!" 😄

English: One citizen asks another: "Why are the city council meetings sometimes so long?" The other replies: "Well, 'Rat' also means 'supply' or 'stock' (as in 'Vorrat'). They're probably building up a stock of arguments!" 😄

A Poem About the City Council

German:
Der Stadtrat tagt, das Licht ist an,
diskutiert den neuen Plan.
Für Straßen, Schulen, Grün und mehr,
die Entscheidung fällt oft schwer.

Mal laut, mal leis', wird debattiert,
bis ein Beschluss die Stadt regiert.
Der Stadtrat lenkt, mit Amt und Pflicht,
für bess're Zukunft, neues Licht.

English Translation:
The Council meets, the light is bright,
Discussing plans with all their might.
For streets, schools, parks, and even more,
Decisions made are seldom a chore.

Sometimes loud, sometimes low,
Debating points begin to flow.
Until a vote the city steers,
The Council guides, dispelling fears.
For future's sake, a guiding light.

Who or What Am I? A Riddle

German:
Ich treffe mich im Rathaus, oft im Saal,
entscheide über Wohl und Qual.
Ich kann ein Gremium sein, ein ganzer Chor,
doch auch ein einzelner Mann tritt mal hervor.
Ich trage 'Stadt' und 'Rat' in meinem Namen,
wer kennt die Antwort, Damen und die Hamen?

English:
I meet in the town hall, often in the main room,
Deciding over fortune and doom.
I can be a committee, a whole choir's sound,
But also a single man can be found.
I carry 'City' and 'Council' ('Stadt' and 'Rat') in my name,
Who knows the answer to this little game?

Answer: Der Stadtrat (The City Council / City Councillor)

Trivia and Word Origin

Word Composition

The word Stadtrat is a compound noun, formed from:

• Die Stadt: Meaning the city or town.
• Der Rat: Meaning council, advice, or the assembly of advisors.

Trivia 💡

• The exact powers and name of the municipal governing body can vary depending on the federal state (Bundesland) in Germany due to different local government laws (Kommunalverfassung).
• The members of the Stadtrat (Stadträte) are usually elected by the citizens of the city for a specific legislative period.
• In many cities, serving as a Stadtrat is a voluntary position or members receive an expense allowance; it's often not a full-time profession like being a member of the federal parliament (Bundestag).