der
Volksvertreter
🗳️ What exactly is a Volksvertreter?
A der Volksvertreter is a person elected by the people to represent their interests in a parliament or another political institution. It refers to an elected representative or delegate who acts and makes decisions on behalf of their constituents.
The term emphasizes the democratic legitimation by the people (das Volk) and the task of representation (der Vertreter). It's a central term in representative democracies.
⚠️ The term der Volksvertreter is almost exclusively used for men. The feminine form is die Volksvertreterin.
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 in Detail: Der Volksvertreter
The word "Volksvertreter" is a masculine noun. It belongs to the weak noun class (n-Deklination), which means it takes an -(e)n ending in all cases except the nominative singular.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Volksvertreter |
| Genitive | des | Volksvertretern |
| Dative | dem | Volksvertretern |
| Accusative | den | Volksvertretern |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Volksvertreter |
| Genitive | der | Volksvertreter |
| Dative | den | Volksvertretern |
| Accusative | die | Volksvertreter |
Example Sentences
- Der Volksvertreter sprach im Parlament über die Anliegen seiner Wähler.
(The people's representative spoke in parliament about his constituents' concerns.) - Die Bürger haben hohe Erwartungen an ihre gewählten Volksvertreter.
(The citizens have high expectations of their elected representatives.) - Man diskutierte mit dem Volksvertretern über das neue Gesetz. (Dative Singular)
(They discussed the new law with the people's representative.) - Die Entscheidungen der Volksvertreter beeinflussen das Leben aller. (Genitive Plural)
(The decisions of the people's representatives affect everyone's lives.)
🗣️ Usage in Context
The term der Volksvertreter is primarily used in political and journalistic language. It emphasizes the role of the member of parliament as a representative of the entire people or at least their electorate.
- Political Context: In debates, speeches, draft laws, reports on parliamentary work.
- Media: In news articles, commentaries, political analyses.
- Formal Tone: The term often sounds slightly more formal or elevated than the more common word 'Abgeordneter'.
- Distinction: Sometimes used to contrast the ideal state (representative of the people) with reality (party loyalist, lobbyist).
Related terms are Abgeordneter (delegate, MP), Parlamentarier (parliamentarian), Mandatsträger (mandate holder). "Abgeordneter" is often more neutral and common in everyday language.
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a strong man (masculine 'der') representing the 'Volk'. He is THE Representative -> der Volksvertreter.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "Volks" (folks/people) + "Vertreter" (representative). It literally means a representative of the folks/people. Like a class representative, but for the whole country (or region)!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Abgeordneter: Very common synonym, often more neutral (MP, delegate).
- Parlamentarier: Refers to members of a parliament (parliamentarian).
- Mandatsträger: Person holding a political mandate (mandate holder).
- Deputierter: Rather dated or used in specific contexts (e.g., Switzerland) (deputy).
Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts (Broad Sense):
🚨 Caution: Not every politician is automatically a 'Volksvertreter' in the sense of an elected MP (e.g., ministers can be appointed).
😄 A Little Joke
Ein Bürger fragt einen Volksvertreter: "Stimmt es, dass Sie Politikern alles zutrauen?"
Antwortet der Volksvertreter: "Nein, aber ich traue dem Volk zu, uns zu wählen!"
Translation:
A citizen asks a people's representative: "Is it true that you think politicians are capable of anything?"
The representative replies: "No, but I trust the people to elect us!"
📜 A Short Poem
Der Volksvertreter
Gewählt vom Stimmzettel, mit großem Vertrau'n,
soll er im Parlament für die Bürger bau'n.
Der Volksvertreter, mit Wort und mit Tat,
vertritt seinen Wahlkreis, die Stadt und den Staat.
Er debattiert, stimmt ab, ringt um den besten Plan,
für Arbeit, für Bildung, für jedermann.
Translation:
The People's Representative
Elected by ballot, with trust profound,
He should build for the citizens, on parliamentary ground.
The people's representative, with word and with deed,
Represents his constituency, the city, the state indeed.
He debates, casts his vote, strives for the optimal plan,
For work, for education, for every woman and man.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich spreche für viele, doch bin nur einer,
gewählt durch die Stimme, mal lauter, mal leiser.
Im hohen Haus sitz' ich, diskutiere Gesetze,
und hoffe, dass ich die Bürger nicht verletze.
Wer bin ich?
(... ein Volksvertreter)
Translation:
I speak for many, but am only one,
Elected by vote, sometimes loud, sometimes none.
In the high house I sit, debating the laws,
And hope that I don't give the citizens cause [for complaint].
Who am I?
(... a people's representative / der Volksvertreter)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Volksvertreter" is a compound noun, composed of:
Feminine Form: The feminine form is die Volksvertreterin (plural: die Volksvertreterinnen).
Historical Context: The term gained prominence with the development of modern democracies, especially after revolutions emphasizing popular sovereignty.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Volksvertreter?
The noun "Volksvertreter" is masculine. The correct article is der Volksvertreter. It refers to a male person elected by the people to represent their interests politically. The feminine form is die Volksvertreterin.
