der
Warnstreik
📣 What does "der Warnstreik" mean?
A Warnstreik is a short-term work stoppage by employees, usually organized by a trade union (Gewerkschaft). The goal is to increase pressure on the employers' side during ongoing collective bargaining (Tarifverhandlungen) and to signal the readiness for a longer strike. It's essentially a 'warning' ⚠️ to employers to take the employees' demands seriously.
The article is always der, so it's der Warnstreik (masculine).
The Grammar of Warnstreik 🧐
The word "Warnstreik" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Warnstreik |
| Genitive | des | Warnstreik(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Warnstreik |
| Accusative | den | Warnstreik |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Warnstreiks |
| Genitive | der | Warnstreiks |
| Dative | den | Warnstreiks |
| Accusative | die | Warnstreiks |
Example Sentences
- Die Gewerkschaft rief zu einem Warnstreik auf.
(The union called for a warning strike.) - Während des Warnstreiks standen viele Maschinen still.
(During the warning strike, many machines stood idle.) - Die Arbeitgeber kritisierten den Warnstreik als unverhältnismäßig.
(The employers criticized the warning strike as disproportionate.) - Mit Warnstreiks wollen die Beschäftigten ihren Forderungen Nachdruck verleihen.
(With warning strikes, the employees want to add weight to their demands.)
Context and Usage
The term Warnstreik is primarily used in the context of collective bargaining (Tarifverhandlungen) and industrial disputes (Arbeitskämpfe). It describes a specific form of strike:
- Time-limited: *Warnstreiks* often last only a few hours or a day.
- Signalling effect: They aim to increase the employers' willingness to negotiate without immediately starting a longer, more economically damaging strike (Erzwingungsstreik).
- Legal framework: In Germany, *Warnstreiks* are legally permissible under certain conditions.
- Organization: They are usually organized by trade unions like *ver.di* or *IG Metall*.
You use the word when talking about economic and political news or when discussing or being affected by industrial action measures.
How to Remember "der Warnstreik" 🧠
Article Mnemonic: Think of 'strike' sometimes being associated with strong, traditionally male-dominated industries. Imagine a strong man giving a 'warning' - he is 'der' Mann giving 'der' Warnung, leading to 'der Warnstreik'. Or: The strike is *warning*, and 'der' sounds a bit like the start of 'dare' - they *dare* to warn the bosses.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of "warnen" (to warn) and "Streik" (strike). It's literally a 'strike to warn'. Simple as that!
Related Terms 🔄
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- kurze Arbeitsniederlegung (short work stoppage)
- Proteststreik (protest strike - depending on context)
- zeitlich begrenzter Streik (time-limited strike)
- Arbeitskampfmaßnahme (industrial action measure - broader term)
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Normalbetrieb (normal operation)
- Arbeit (work - without interruption)
- Aussperrung (lockout - employer's measure)
- Erzwingungsstreik (enforcement strike - longer, full strike)
- Tariffrieden (industrial peace / validity of collective agreement)
⚠️ Similar but Different Terms:
- Streik: General term for any strike; can also be indefinite.
- Generalstreik: A strike paralyzing entire sectors or countries.
- Bummelstreik: A slowdown strike (deliberately working slowly).
A Little Joke 😄
DE: Warum nehmen Informatiker nicht an Warnstreiks teil? Weil sie schon genug Warnungen von ihrem Compiler bekommen!
EN: Why don't computer scientists participate in warning strikes? Because they already get enough warnings from their compiler!
A Little Rhyme about Warnstreik 🎶
DE:
Der Tarif stockt, die Bosse stur,
Da hilft oft nur die Streik-Kur.
Ein kurzer Stopp, nur Stund' um Stund',
Der Warnstreik tut die Botschaft kund:
"Bewegt euch, sonst wird's richtig laut,
Wenn uns're Geduld ist aufgebraucht!"
EN:
The negotiation stalls, the bosses stern,
Often only a strike cure helps them learn.
A short stop, just hour by hour,
The Warnstreik makes the message tower:
"Get moving, or it will get really loud,
When our patience is disavowed!"
Riddle Time 🧩
DE:
Ich bin kurz, doch meine Wirkung groß,
Bring' Verhandlungen oft ins Schloss.
Ich warne nur, bin kein langer Krieg,
Damit die Forderung am Ende sieg'.
Gewerkschaften rufen mich gern aus,
Ich bring' kurz Ruhe ins Produktionshaus.
Was bin ich?
EN:
I am short, but my impact is great,
Often bringing negotiations to their fate.
I only warn, I'm not a long war,
So the demand wins in the end, that's what I'm for.
Unions like to call me out,
I briefly quiet the production house throughout.
What am I?
(Solution: der Warnstreik)
Additional Info 🤓
Word Composition
The word "Warnstreik" is a compound noun, composed of:
- warnen: to warn; to alert to danger or an undesirable state.
- der Streik: strike; a collective work stoppage to enforce demands.
So, literally, a "strike for warning".
Legality in Germany
In Germany, warning strikes (*Warnstreiks*) are generally permitted as a means of industrial action during ongoing collective bargaining, provided they are proportionate and supported by a trade union.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Warnstreik?
The word "Warnstreik" is masculine. It is always der Warnstreik, the genitive is des Warnstreiks, and the plural is die Warnstreiks.