der
Wahltag
🗳️ What exactly is a Wahltag?
Der Wahltag translates to election day. It refers to the specific calendar day on which a political election (e.g., Bundestagswahl (federal election), Landtagswahl (state election), Kommunalwahl (local election)) takes place. On this day, eligible voters are called upon to cast their vote(s).
It's a compound noun formed from:
Since the base word "Tag" is masculine (der Tag), "Wahltag" is also masculine: der Wahltag.
There is only this one meaning and the corresponding article der. ⚠️ Confusion is unlikely.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
📊 Grammar: Der Wahltag in Detail
The noun "Wahltag" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Wahltag |
| Genitive | des | Wahltag(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Wahltag(e) |
| Accusative | den | Wahltag |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wahltage |
| Genitive | der | Wahltage |
| Dative | den | Wahltagen |
| Accusative | die | Wahltage |
📝 Example Sentences
- Am Wahltag haben die Wahllokale von 8 bis 18 Uhr geöffnet. (On election day, the polling stations are open from 8 am to 6 pm.)
- Der nächste Wahltag für die Europawahl steht bereits fest. (The next election day for the European election has already been set.)
- Viele Zeitungen berichten ausführlich über die Ereignisse des Wahltages. (Many newspapers report in detail on the events of the election day.)
- Die Wahlbeteiligung war an den letzten Wahltagen sehr unterschiedlich. (Voter turnout was very different on the last election days.)
🗣️ How 'Wahltag' is Used
The term Wahltag is primarily used in the context of politics, democracy, and elections.
- Official Announcements: Authorities and the media use the term to announce the date of an election. ("Der Wahltag ist der 26. September." - The election day is September 26th.)
- Reporting: Journalists report on events, voter turnout, and initial projections on Wahltag.
- Everyday Language: Citizens talk about when they will vote or discuss the importance of der Wahltag. ("Gehst du am Wahltag wählen?" - Are you going to vote on election day?)
Wahltag is a specific term. While Wahl can mean the entire process or the choice itself, Wahltag exclusively refers to the calendar day of voting.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
For the Article (der): Remember that der Tag means the day. A Wahltag is a specific kind of Tag, so it takes the same masculine article: der Wahltag.
For the Meaning: Imagine a ballot box (Wahlurne) opening a calendar and pointing to a specific Tag (day) – that's the Wahltag (election day)!
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Same Meaning)
- Abstimmungstag: (Voting day) Very similar, emphasizes the act of voting.
- Urnengang: (Going to the polls) Often used figuratively for the election day/the election itself. Refers to the act of going to the ballot box (Urne).
- Stichtag: (Key date, deadline) In the context of elections, it means the decisive day.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Wahlabend: (Election night) The evening of election day when results are announced.
- Legislaturperiode: (Legislative period) The period between two elections.
- Normaler Arbeitstag/Wochentag: (Normal workday/weekday) A day without an election event.
⚠️ Similar Terms
- Wahltermin: (Election date) Can be the Wahltag, but also a period or a planned, not yet finalized date.
- Wahlkampf: (Election campaign) The period before the Wahltag when parties campaign for votes.
😂 A Little Election Day Joke
Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Politikerversprechen und einem Wahlplakat?
Antwort: Das Wahlplakat hängt wenigstens noch nach dem Wahltag!
Translation:
Question: What's the difference between a politician's promise and an election poster?
Answer: At least the election poster is still hanging around after election day!
📜 Poem for the Day of Decision
Der Kalender zeigt's, die Zeit ist reif,
Ein Kreuz zu machen, mit Bedacht, nicht steif.
Die Urne wartet, still und schlicht,
Am Wahltag zählt's, dein Stimmgewicht.
Die Zukunft mitbestimmen, groß und klein,
So soll Demokratie lebendig sein.
Drum geh hinaus an diesem Tag,
Und nutze deine Wahl, die viel vermag.
Translation:
The calendar shows it, the time is ripe,
To make a mark, with thought, not hype.
The ballot box awaits, silent and plain,
On election day, your vote holds gain.
To shape the future, large and small,
Thus democracy shall stand up tall.
So venture out upon this day,
And use your vote, which holds much sway.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme alle paar Jahre wieder,
mal im Herbst, mal wenn blüht der Flieder.
Ich bringe Zettel, Stift und Kabine,
damit das Volk die Richtung bestimme.
Wer bin ich?
Translation:
I return every few years,
sometimes in autumn, sometimes when the lilac cheers.
I bring paper, pen, and booth,
so the people can determine the truth (direction).
Who am I?
Solution: Der Wahltag (Election Day)
🌐 Other Information
Word Composition (Compound Noun):
- die Wahl: Refers to the act of choosing or the election itself.
- der Tag: Refers to the calendar day.
Together, der Wahltag means the specific day on which voting takes place.
Trivia: In Germany, federal, state, and local elections traditionally take place on a Sunday (Sonntag). This is done to allow as many citizens as possible to participate. That Sunday is then the respective Wahltag.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wahltag?
The word "Wahltag" is always masculine. The correct form is: der Wahltag. It describes the calendar day on which an election is held.