der
Stimmzettel
🗳️ *What Exactly is a* Stimmzettel?
The German word* Stimmzettel *refers to a* **ballot paper** *or* **voting slip**. *It's a document, usually made of paper, used in* **Wahlen** (*elections*) *or* **Abstimmungen** (*referendums/votes*). *Voters cast their vote on it by marking candidates, parties, or options.*
It's a central element of democratic processes, enabling secret and personal voting.*
The word uses the article* **der**, *so it's a masculine noun.*
Article rules for der, die, and das
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
🧐 *Grammar: The* Stimmzettel *in Detail*
*The noun* **Stimmzettel** *is masculine. The definite article is* **der**.
*Declension*
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Stimmzettel |
| Genitive | des | Stimmzettels |
| Dative | dem | Stimmzettel |
| Accusative | den | Stimmzettel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Stimmzettel |
| Genitive | der | Stimmzettel |
| Dative | den | Stimmzetteln |
| Accusative | die | Stimmzettel |
*Example Sentences*
- Der Wähler faltete seinen Stimmzettel sorgfältig.
*The voter carefully folded his ballot paper.* - Die Auszählung der Stimmzettel dauerte die ganze Nacht.
*The counting of the ballot papers lasted all night.* - Auf dem Stimmzettel standen mehrere Parteien zur Auswahl.
*Several parties were listed on the ballot paper.* - Bitte werfen Sie den Stimmzettel in die Wahlurne ein.
*Please put the ballot paper into the ballot box.* - Ungültige Stimmzettel werden nicht mitgezählt.
*Invalid ballot papers are not counted.*
✍️ *How to Use* Stimmzettel?
*The term* Stimmzettel *is primarily used in the context of* **Wahlen** (*elections*) *and* **Abstimmungen** (*votes/referendums*). *It refers to the specific paper document on which the voting decision is recorded.*
- *Typical Use:* *In political elections (federal, state, local), but also in works council elections or votes within associations.*
- *Context:* *Democracy, suffrage, election procedures, political participation.*
- *Distinction:* *Sometimes* **Wahlzettel** *is used synonymously. However,* **Wahlschein** *is different; it's a document that entitles someone to vote (often used for postal voting or voting in a different polling station).*
*A correctly filled out and submitted* Stimmzettel *is the basis for determining the election result.* 🗳️
🧠 *Mnemonics to Help Remember*
*Article Mnemonic:* *Imagine* **DER** *leader needs your vote on* **DER Stimmzettel**. (*'Der' is the masculine article*).
*Meaning Mnemonic:* *The word is composed of* **Stimme** (*vote/voice*) *and* **Zettel** (*slip of paper*). *It's logically a slip for your vote: a* **Stimmzettel**.
🔄 *Synonyms and (No Real) Antonyms*
*Synonyms (Words with similar meaning)*
- Wahlzettel: *Very often used interchangeably.*
- Abstimmungszettel: *More likely used for votes on issues rather than elections of people.*
*Antonyms (Opposites)*
*There isn't a direct antonym. One could argue:*
- Ungültiger Stimmzettel: (*Invalid ballot paper*) - *While it's a ballot paper, it doesn't carry a valid vote.*
- Wahlschein: (*Voting permit / absentee ballot document*) - *Not an opposite, but another important election document.*
😄 *A Little Joke*
Warum nehmen Bleistifte nicht an Wahlen teil?
*Why don't pencils participate in elections?*
Weil sie Angst haben, auf dem Stimmzettel zu viele Spitzen zu machen und ungültig zu werden! ✏️
*Because they're afraid of making too many points (tips/peaks) on the ballot paper and becoming invalid!*
📜 *A Poem About the* Stimmzettel
Ein kleines Blatt, doch voller Macht,
Der Stimmzettel, wohl durchdacht.
Ein Kreuzchen hier, ein Name dort,
Entscheidet mit an diesem Ort.
Geheim und frei, so soll es sein,
Die Wahl, sie ist nicht nur Schein.
Drum nutze ihn, mit Bedacht und Sinn,
Denn deine Stimme zählt darin.
*A little sheet, yet full of might,*
*The ballot paper, thought out right.*
*A little cross, a name placed here,*
*Decides along with us, it's clear.*
*Secret and free, that's how it should be,*
*The vote, it's not just pageantry.*
*So use it well, with sense and care,*
*Because your voice is counted there.*
❓ *Little Riddle*
Ich bin aus Papier, doch trage Gewicht,
Zeige die Wahl, im hellen Licht.
Man füllt mich aus, dann faltet man mich klein,
Wer bin ich wohl? Fällt's dir schon ein?
*I'm made of paper, but carry weight,*
*I show the choice, illuminate.*
*You fill me in, then fold me small and tight,*
*Who am I then? Can you guess right?*
*Solution:* Der Stimmzettel (*The ballot paper*)
💡 *More Interesting Facts*
*Word Composition*
*The word* Stimmzettel *is a compound noun, composed of:*
*So literally: A slip of paper for the vote.*
*Importance for Democracy*
*The* **Stimmzettel** *is a symbol of the democratic right to vote and the opportunity for citizen participation. Its design and the rules for filling it out are often subjects of discussion to ensure fair and understandable elections.*
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Stimmzettel?
The word "Stimmzettel" is masculine. The correct article is der. So you say: der Stimmzettel (the ballot paper - nominative), des Stimmzettels (of the ballot paper - genitive), dem Stimmzettel (to/for the ballot paper - dative), den Stimmzettel (the ballot paper - accusative). The plural form is "die Stimmzettel".