der
Urnengang
🗳️ What does "der Urnengang" mean?
The German noun der Urnengang refers to the act of going to the polls, the process of casting one's vote in an election or ballot. It's a rather formal or official term for the act of voting itself.
- Meaning: Going to the ballot box; casting a vote; the act of voting.
- Context: Often used in news reports, political commentary, or official announcements related to elections.
It has only this one meaning and uses the article der. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with the noun die Urne (the urn/ballot box itself).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ang → almost always masculine.
📜 Grammar & Declension of 'der Urnengang'
The noun "Urnengang" is masculine.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Urnengang |
| Genitive | des | Urnengang(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Urnengang(e) |
| Accusative | den | Urnengang |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Urnengänge |
| Genitive | der | Urnengänge |
| Dative | den | Urnengängen |
| Accusative | die | Urnengänge |
Example Sentences
- Der bevorstehende Urnengang entscheidet über die Zusammensetzung des Parlaments. (The upcoming election/ballot will decide the composition of the parliament.)
- Die Wahlbeteiligung war bei diesem Urnengang besonders hoch. (Voter turnout was particularly high in this election.)
- Viele Bürger sehen den Urnengang als ihre demokratische Pflicht an. (Many citizens view going to the polls as their democratic duty.)
- Nach Schließung der Wahllokale beginnt die Auszählung der Stimmen des Urnengangs. (After the polling stations close, the counting of the votes from the ballot begins.)
🗣️ How is "Urnengang" used?
Der Urnengang is a formal term used primarily in political and journalistic contexts when reporting on elections or votes.
- Formal Context: You'll find it in news articles, political speeches, official announcements.
- Comparison: In everyday conversation, Germans are more likely to say "wählen gehen" (to go vote), "zur Wahl gehen" (to go to the election), or simply talk about "die Wahl" (the election). "Urnengang" sounds more official and emphasizes the physical act of voting.
- Example: Instead of the colloquial "Wann gehst du wählen?" (When are you going to vote?), a news report might state: "Der Urnengang findet am Sonntag statt." (The ballot/voting takes place on Sunday.)
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
For the article: Think of "der Gang" (the walk, the corridor, the process). The path to the ballot box is a Gang. Nouns ending in "-gang" are often masculine (der Ausgang - exit, der Eingang - entrance, der Rundgang - tour), so it's der Urnengang.
For the meaning: Imagine making an important "Gang" (walk/trip) to the "Urne" (urn, here: ballot box) to cast your vote. The Urnengang is the 'urn-going'.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Wahl (f): The general term for election.
- Abstimmung (f): Often used for specific referendums or votes on issues.
- Wahlgang (m): Can mean a specific round of voting or be synonymous with Urnengang.
- Stimmabgabe (f): The concrete act of casting the vote.
- Wahlakt (m): Very formal, emphasizing the act itself.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Wahlenthaltung (f): Abstention, deliberately not voting.
- Wahlboykott (m): An organized call not to vote.
⚠️ Similar Terms:
😂 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Bleistifte nicht am Urnengang teil?
(Why don't pencils participate in the voting?)
Weil sie Angst haben, ihre Stimme zu verlieren, wenn sie zu oft gespitzt werden! 😉
(Because they're afraid of losing their 'voice'/'lead' (Stimme can mean voice or graphite lead) if they get sharpened too often!)
✒️ Poem about the Urnengang
Der Tag erwacht, die Pflicht sie ruft,
(The day awakes, duty calls,)
Ein Kreuz zu machen in der Gruft
(To make a cross within the crypt)
Der Stille, die die Wahlkabine,
(Of silence, which the voting booth is,)
Bevor die Zukunft neu beginne.
(Before the future starts anew.)
Der Zettel faltet sich geschwind,
(The ballot folds itself quickly,)
Ein leises Rascheln nur im Wind
(Just a soft rustle in the wind)
Der Demokratie, die leise spricht,
(Of democracy, which speaks softly,)
Beim Urnengang, dem Bürgerlicht.
(During the going-to-the-polls, the citizen's light.)
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Gang, doch hab kein Ziel,
(I am a 'going'/'walk', but have no destination,)
Nur eine Urne, das ist viel.
(Just an urn, that is much.)
Man tut mich, wenn entschieden wird,
(One does me, when it is decided,)
Wer künftig lenkt, wer nicht mehr irrt.
(Who will lead in future, who no longer errs.)
An einem Sonntag oft vollbracht,
(Often accomplished on a Sunday,)
Hab ich im Staat sehr große Macht.
(I hold great power in the state.)
What am I?
(Solution: der Urnengang)
🧩 Further Details
Word Composition
The word "Urnengang" is a compound noun, made up of:
- Urne (f): Refers here to the Wahlurne (ballot box).
- Gang (m): Refers to the act of going, walking, or the process.
Together, they mean "the walk/going to the (ballot) urn".
Stylistic Level
"Der Urnengang" belongs to elevated language or officialese (gehobene Sprache or Amtssprache). In everyday conversation, it often sounds a bit stiff or overly formal.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Urnengang?
The noun "Urnengang", meaning the act of going to the polls or voting, is always masculine. Therefore, the correct article is der Urnengang (Genitive: des Urnengangs, Plural: die Urnengänge).