der
Wahlkampf
🗳️ What does "der Wahlkampf" mean?
Der Wahlkampf (noun, masculine) refers to the period before a political election during which parties and candidates actively campaign for voters' support. It's the time of political debate, campaign events, posters, and discussions, aimed at presenting one's own position and gaining support.
The word is composed of Wahl (election) and Kampf (fight, struggle, campaign), which underscores the often intense and confrontational nature of this period.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-pf → always masculine.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Wahlkampf
"Wahlkampf" is a masculine noun. The article is der. It is mostly used in the singular as it refers to the entire process. The plural "die Wahlkämpfe" refers to multiple, separate election campaigns (e.g., from different elections or countries).
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Wahlkampf |
| Genitive | des | Wahlkampfs / Wahlkampfes |
| Dative | dem | Wahlkampf / Wahlkampfe |
| Accusative | den | Wahlkampf |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wahlkämpfe |
| Genitive | der | Wahlkämpfe |
| Dative | den | Wahlkämpfen |
| Accusative | die | Wahlkämpfe |
Example Sentences
- Der Wahlkampf geht in die heiße Phase.
(The election campaign is entering the crucial phase.) - Die Parteien investieren viel Geld in ihren Wahlkampf.
(The parties are investing a lot of money in their election campaign.) - Während des Wahlkampfes besuchen Politiker viele Städte.
(During the election campaign, politicians visit many cities.) - Wir analysieren die Strategien der vergangenen Wahlkämpfe.
(We are analyzing the strategies of past election campaigns.)
🗣️ How "Wahlkampf" is Used
The term der Wahlkampf is mainly used in a political context. It describes the organized effort by parties and candidates to influence public opinion and win votes before an election.
- Typical Verbs: Wahlkampf führen (to run a campaign), Wahlkampf machen (to campaign), in den Wahlkampf ziehen (to enter the campaign), den Wahlkampf bestreiten (to contest the campaign).
- Context: News reports, political discussions, analyses, reporting on elections (Bundestagswahl, Landtagswahl, Kommunalwahl, etc.).
- Related Terms: Wahlwerbung (election advertising), Wahlveranstaltung (campaign rally), Wahlplakat (election poster), Spitzenkandidat (leading candidate).
- Intensity: The word "Kampf" (struggle, fight) implies a certain intensity and confrontation often characteristic of this period (e.g., "harter Wahlkampf" - tough campaign, "fairer Wahlkampf" - fair campaign).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of a political speaker (masculine, der Redner) who is in the middle of a 'fight' or 'struggle' (Kampf) for votes: Der Redner leads den Wahlkampf. The 'Kampf' part strongly suggests masculinity (der Kampf).
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine parties literally 'fighting' (kämpfen) with posters and arguments for your 'election' (Wahl) vote. That intense period is the Wahlkampf.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Wahlagitation: (Election agitation - similar, perhaps slightly more focused on stirring up support)
- Wahlbewegung: (Election movement - implies a broader effort)
- Wahlwerbung: (Election advertising - more a component of the campaign)
- Kampagne: (Campaign - often used interchangeably, but can be broader, e.g., advertising campaign)
Antonyms (Opposite/Contrast)
- Politische Apathie: (Political apathy)
- Wahlenthaltung: (Voter abstention)
- Zwischenwahlzeit: (Period between elections - time without active campaigning)
⚠️ Note: While Kampagne can be used synonymously, it's a more general term that can also refer to advertising or information campaigns outside of politics.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Politiker im Wahlkampf und einem Fisch? Antwort: Der Fisch hört auf zu zappeln, wenn er gefangen ist!
English: Question: What's the difference between a politician on the campaign trail and a fish? Answer: The fish stops wriggling once it's caught!
✍️ Poem about the Wahlkampf
German:
Plakate an jeder Wand,
Versprechen gehen durch das Land.
Der Redner ruft, die Menge lauscht,
Im Wahlkampf wird viel ausgetauscht.
Es ist ein Ringen, laut und schnell,
Um jede Stimme, jedes Dezibel.
Der Wahlkampf fordert, streng und hart,
Bis endlich kommt der Wahltag-Start.
English Translation:
Posters on every wall,
Promises spread throughout the land.
The speaker calls, the crowd listens,
In the election campaign, much is exchanged.
It's a struggle, loud and fast,
For every vote, every decibel.
The campaign demands, strict and hard,
Until finally Election Day starts.
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich komme vor der Stimmabgabe,
bin voller Reden, keine Frage.
Parteien streiten, werben sehr,
mal fair, mal unfair – kreuz und quer.
Was bin ich?
... Der Wahlkampf
English Translation:
I come before the vote is cast,
Full of speeches, that's no question asked.
Parties argue, campaign with might,
Sometimes fair, sometimes unfair – left and right.
What am I?
... The election campaign (der Wahlkampf)
💡 More Information about Wahlkampf
Word Composition:
The word "Wahlkampf" is a compound noun, made up of:
- Die Wahl: Refers to the act of choosing or the selection between options, specifically a political election here.
- Der Kampf: Originally means struggle, fight, contest. In the context of "Wahlkampf," it emphasizes the intensive effort and competition for voters' favor.
The combination highlights the nature of the competition for political power, often perceived as a struggle or contest.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wahlkampf?
The German word "Wahlkampf" is masculine: der Wahlkampf. It refers to the period of political campaigning before an election.