die
Abwahl
🗳️ What does 'die Abwahl' mean?
Die Abwahl (noun, feminine) refers to the process of removing a person from an office or position through an election or vote. It's the opposite of an election (die Wahl) or appointment (die Ernennung).
Imagine an elected official isn't doing their job well, or the majority is no longer satisfied with them. This can lead to an Abwahl.
There are no other meanings or articles for 'Abwahl'; it is always die Abwahl.
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Abwahl
The word 'Abwahl' is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Abwahl |
| Genitive | der | Abwahl |
| Dative | der | Abwahl |
| Accusative | die | Abwahl |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Abwahlen |
| Genitive | der | Abwahlen |
| Dative | den | Abwahlen |
| Accusative | die | Abwahlen |
Example Sentences
- Die Abwahl des Bürgermeisters wurde von der Opposition gefordert.
(The removal (by vote) of the mayor was demanded by the opposition.) - Nach der knappen Abwahl musste der Vorstand neu besetzt werden.
(After the close deselection vote, the board had to be newly appointed.) - Es gab Gerüchte über eine bevorstehende Abwahl des Ministers.
(There were rumors about an impending removal (by vote) of the minister.) - Die Satzung des Vereins regelt das Verfahren für eine Abwahl.
(The association's statutes regulate the procedure for a removal vote.)
🗣️ Using 'Abwahl' Correctly
'Die Abwahl' is mainly used in political or organizational contexts when talking about removing an elected person from their office.
- Politics: Deselection/removal by vote of a president, minister, mayor, representative. Often through a vote of no confidence (Misstrauensvotum) or specific recall procedures.
- Clubs/Organizations: Removal of a board member or chairperson by the general assembly (Mitgliederversammlung).
- Distinction: An 'Abwahl' happens through a vote. An 'Entlassung' (dismissal) or 'Amtsenthebung' (removal from office) can also be initiated by a higher authority, not necessarily by the electorate or members. A 'Kündigung' refers to the termination of employment contracts.
The word carries a rather formal and often negative connotation, as it signifies the end of a term due to dissatisfaction or loss of trust.
🧠 Mnemonics for Abwahl
For the article: Think of 'the election' (die Wahl) – its opposite, 'the deselection' (die Abwahl), keeps the feminine article 'die'. Like a decisive woman saying, "Die(This) person must go!"
For the meaning: Imagine someone saying "Ab!" (Away!) while pointing at a ballot (Wahlzettel). The result is the Abwahl – voting someone *away* or *out*.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar meaning):
- Amtsenthebung: Removal from office, often through a formal procedure (can occur without a direct vote).
- Entlassung: Dismissal, general term for ending a service or employment relationship.
- Misstrauensvotum (leads to Abwahl): Vote of no confidence, determining if a person/government still has trust.
- Rücktrittsforderung: Demand for resignation (precursor to Abwahl).
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Wahl: Election, the process of choosing someone for office.
- Ernennung: Appointment to an office (often not by election).
- Berufung: Similar to appointment, often for specific positions.
- Bestätigung (im Amt): Confirmation (in office), the opposite of deselection, expressing confidence.
⚠️ Watch out for similar words:
- Auswahl: Selection or choice between different things. Nothing to do with removal from office.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Politiker den anderen: "Hast du Angst vor der Abwahl?"
Sagt der andere: "Nein, ich habe eher Angst vor der Auswahl meiner Nachfolger!"
One politician asks another: "Are you afraid of being voted out (Abwahl)?"
The other replies: "No, I'm more afraid of the selection (Auswahl) of my successors!"
📜 Poem about Abwahl
Die Stimme zählt, das Kreuz gemacht,
Ein Amt zu Ende über Nacht.
Die Mehrheit sprach, das Urteil klar,
Die Abwahl ist nun leider wahr.
Kein Zorn, kein Groll, nur der Beschluss,
Ein neuer Anfang, ohne Frust.
The vote counts, the cross is made,
An office ends, overnight swayed.
The majority spoke, the verdict clear,
The Abwahl (removal vote) is now sadly here.
No anger, no grudge, just the decree,
A new beginning, setting free.
❓ Riddle
Ich bin das Gegenteil von Machtgewinn,
beende oft Karrieren jäh.
Durch Stimmen komm ich erst zum Sinn,
wenn man im Amt nicht mehr besteht.
Was bin ich?
(I am the opposite of gaining power,
I often end careers abruptly.
Through votes I gain my meaning,
when one no longer holds up in office.
What am I?)
Solution: die Abwahl
🧩 Other Tidbits
Word Composition:
The word 'Abwahl' is composed of:
- Prefix 'ab-': Expresses separation, removal, or termination (as in 'abreisen' - to depart, 'abschaffen' - to abolish).
- Stem word 'Wahl': The act of voting or the choice/election.
Together, it literally means a "removal-vote" or "away-election".
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Abwahl?
The word 'Abwahl' is always feminine. The correct article is die Abwahl (Genitive: der Abwahl, Plural: die Abwahlen). It means the removal of a person from office by means of a vote or election.