der
Wirtschaftsminister
🏛️ What does "der Wirtschaftsminister" mean?
Der Wirtschaftsminister is the German term for the Minister of Economic Affairs or Secretary of Commerce/Economy (depending on the country). This person is a member of the government (e.g., federal or state government) responsible for the economic portfolio. They head the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Wirtschaftsministerium) and shape the economic policy within their jurisdiction.
It's a masculine noun. The feminine form is die Wirtschaftsministerin.
🚨 Attention: The word refers to a person and their office, not the economy (Wirtschaft) itself.
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: Declension of Wirtschaftsminister
The noun "Wirtschaftsminister" is masculine. Its declension is as follows:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Wirtschaftsminister |
| Genitive | des | Wirtschaftsministers |
| Dative | dem | Wirtschaftsminister |
| Accusative | den | Wirtschaftsminister |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wirtschaftsminister |
| Genitive | der | Wirtschaftsminister |
| Dative | den | Wirtschaftsministern |
| Accusative | die | Wirtschaftsminister |
Example Sentences
- Der Wirtschaftsminister stellte heute die neuen Konjunkturdaten vor.
(The Minister of Economic Affairs presented the new economic data today.) - Die Rede des Wirtschaftsministers wurde aufmerksam verfolgt.
(The speech of the Minister of Economic Affairs was followed attentively.) - Man überreichte dem Wirtschaftsminister ein Dossier zur Lage der Industrie.
(A dossier on the state of the industry was handed over to the Minister of Economic Affairs.) - Die Presse befragte den Wirtschaftsminister zu seinen Plänen.
(The press asked the Minister of Economic Affairs about his plans.) - Mehrere Wirtschaftsminister trafen sich zu einer Konferenz in Brüssel.
(Several Ministers of Economic Affairs met for a conference in Brussels.)
💬 Usage in Context
The term "Wirtschaftsminister" is mainly used in political and media contexts when reporting on government members and their economic policy responsibilities.
- Typical Usage: Reporting on economic policy (Wirtschaftspolitik), government reshuffles, interviews with the officeholder.
- Context: Politics, news, business news, public debates.
- Distinction: While "Wirtschaftsminister" refers to the person, "Wirtschaftsministerium" refers to the ministry/department.
- Feminine Form: For female officeholders, the form "die Wirtschaftsministerin" is used. The plural form "die Wirtschaftsminister" can refer to men or mixed groups (using the generic masculine form, which is common but sometimes debated), although more precise phrasing like "die Wirtschaftsministerinnen und Wirtschaftsminister" (female and male ministers) or neutral terms might be preferred.
🧠 Mnemonics for Wirtschaftsminister
Remembering the Article (der): Think of 'minister' roles generally being masculine in German (der Kanzler, der Präsident, der Minister). Also, visualize DER boss of the Wirtschaft (economy).
Remembering the Meaning: Break it down: Wirtschaft (economy/business) + s (connecting 's') + Minister (minister). He's the minister for the economy. It directly translates!
↔️ Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Minister für Wirtschaft (Minister for Economic Affairs - slightly more explicit)
- Ressortchef Wirtschaft (Head of the Economic Department/Portfolio - more functional)
- Leiter des Wirtschaftsministeriums (Head of the Ministry of Economic Affairs)
Antonyms/Contrasting Terms (Broader Sense):
- Finanzminister (Minister of Finance - different portfolio)
- Oppositionssprecher für Wirtschaft (Opposition Spokesperson for Economic Affairs - political counterpart)
- Wirtschaftsministerin (Female Minister of Economic Affairs - gender counterpart)
Related Terms:
- Wirtschaftsministerium: The ministry/department the minister heads.
- Wirtschaftspolitik: The field of policy the minister is responsible for.
- Ministerrat/Kabinett: The council of ministers/cabinet the minister belongs to.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Journalist den Wirtschaftsminister: "Herr Minister, wie steht es um unsere Wirtschaft?" Antwortet der Minister: "Teils gut, teils schlecht. Meine Aktien stehen gut, die der Bürger eher schlecht." 😉
(A journalist asks the Minister of Economic Affairs: "Mr. Minister, how is our economy doing?" The Minister replies: "Partly good, partly bad. My stocks are doing well, the citizens' stocks rather poorly." 😉)
📜 Poem about the Wirtschaftsminister
Der Wirtschaftsminister, viel bedacht,
Hat über Zahlen, Kurven Macht.
Er lenkt den Handel, groß und klein,
Bringt Wachstum hoffentlich herein.
Mit Plan und Strategie,
Für Deutschlands Industrie.
Ein Amt mit Druck und großer Last,
Damit die Konjunktur gut passt.
(The Minister of Economy, much considered,
Holds power over numbers, curves delivered.
He guides the trade, both big and small,
Hopefully brings growth to enthrall.
With plan and strategy defined,
For Germany's industry combined.
An office stressful, with great weight,
To keep the economy first-rate.)
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich sitz' im Kabinett, nicht klein,
kümmer' mich um Handel fein.
Bin für die Konjunktur zuständig,
mein Ressort ist sehr beständig.
Ich leite ein Ministerium,
im politischen Zentrum.
Wer bin ich?
... Der Wirtschaftsminister
(I sit in the cabinet, not small,
I take care of trade for all.
I'm responsible for the economy's state,
My department's role is truly great.
I lead a ministry, it's true,
In the political center view.
Who am I?
... The Minister of Economic Affairs)
🧩 Word Composition & Other Info
Word Breakdown: "Wirtschaftsminister" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:
- Wirtschaft: Refers to the economy or business. The "-s-" is a linking element (Fugen-s).
- Minister: Denotes a high government office (minister).
Trivia: Depending on the country and political system, the specific responsibilities of a Minister of Economic Affairs can vary. Sometimes areas like energy or technology are also assigned to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wirtschaftsminister?
The word "Wirtschaftsminister" is masculine. The correct article is der. It refers to the male Minister of Economic Affairs.