die /
der
Behinderte
📖 What does Behinderte mean?
The word Behinderte is a nominalized adjective (an adjective used as a noun) and refers to a person with a disability. It derives from the verb "behindern" (to hinder, to obstruct).
It has two grammatical genders, depending on the person's gender:
- die Behinderte: Refers to a female person with a disability.
- der Behinderte: Refers to a male person with a disability.
The plural is die Behinderten, referring to multiple people with disabilities, regardless of gender.
⚠️ Important Note on Sensitivity: The term "Behinderte(r)" is often considered reducing and stigmatizing because it reduces the person to their disability. In modern language use, the phrase "Mensch mit Behinderung" (person with a disability) is increasingly preferred (person-first language) to emphasize the person.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar of 'Die/Der Behinderte' in Detail
"Behinderte(r)" is a nominalized adjective and is declined like an adjective following a definite article (weak declension).
Feminine Declension (die Behinderte)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Behinderte |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Behinderte |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Behinderten |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Behinderten |
Masculine Declension (der Behinderte)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der Behinderte |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den Behinderten |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Behinderten |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Behinderten |
Plural Declension (die Behinderten)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Behinderten |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Behinderten |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | den Behinderten |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Behinderten |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Behinderte wartet auf den Bus. (The disabled woman is waiting for the bus.)
- Er hilft dem Behinderten über die Straße. (He helps the disabled man across the street.)
- Der Verein unterstützt die Behinderten in der Region. (The association supports the disabled people in the region.)
- Die Rechte der Behinderten müssen gestärkt werden. (The rights of disabled people must be strengthened.)
🗣️ Usage in Context
The term "Behinderte(r)" was common for a long time but is viewed increasingly critically today.
- Context: It can still be found in older texts, sometimes in official or legal contexts (e.g., Behindertenausweis - disability ID card), but in everyday language, it is often considered outdated or insensitive.
- Alternative: The preferred alternative is "Mensch mit Behinderung" (person with a disability) or more specific terms (e.g., "Rollstuhlfahrer" - wheelchair user, "gehörlose Person" - deaf person), if relevant and accepted by the person.
- Impact: Using "Behinderte(r)" can be perceived as reducing the person to their impairment ("labeling"). Person-first language emphasizes that the disability is just one characteristic among many.
🚨 Avoid the term if possible, especially in direct conversation, and use more respectful alternatives.
🧠 Mnemonics
Remembering Articles: Think of typical articles for people: Die is feminine (like 'the queen'), so it's 'die Behinderte'. Der is masculine (like 'the king'), so it's 'der Behinderte'.
Remembering Meaning: The word "behindert" contains "hindern" (to hinder). A 'behinderte Person' is someone who is hindered by barriers or impairments in their participation.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Preferred Alternatives)
- Mensch mit Behinderung (Person with a disability)
- Person mit Beeinträchtigung (Person with an impairment)
- (Depending on context, more specific: Rollstuhlfahrer:in - wheelchair user, gehörlose Person - deaf person, blinde Person - blind person, etc.)
Synonyms (Outdated/Critical)
- Invalide (invalid - very outdated, often derogatory)
- Krüppel (cripple - highly derogatory, discriminatory)
Antonyms
- Nichtbehinderter / Nichtbehinderte (Non-disabled person)
- Mensch ohne Behinderung (Person without a disability)
Related Terms
- Beeinträchtigung: The functional limitation itself (impairment).
- Behinderung: Often arises from environmental and societal barriers (social model of disability).
- Barrierefreiheit: Accessibility; designing the environment to be usable by everyone.
😄 A Little Joke (Use with Care)
Note: Jokes about disabilities are very sensitive. Here's a general joke about barriers:
DE: Warum hat der Computer eine Brille getragen?
- Er wollte seine Website verbessern!
EN: Why did the computer wear glasses?
- It wanted to improve its web site!
(This joke plays on "site" / "sight" and overcoming (visual) barriers in the digital space).
📜 Poem: Perspective
DE:
Nicht das Wort, das leicht verletzt,
sondern der Mensch, der wird geschätzt.
Ob die Behinderte, ob der Behinderte genannt,
es ist die Seele, die uns längst verband.
Seht nicht die Hürde, seht den Mut,
In jedem steckt so vieles gut.
EN Translation:
Not the word that easily wounds,
But the person who is valued.
Whether called 'die Behinderte' or 'der Behinderte',
It's the soul that has long connected us.
See not the hurdle, see the courage,
So much good resides in everyone.
🧩 Riddle
DE:
Ich beschreibe einen Menschen, männlich oder weiblich, das ist klar,
mit 'der' oder 'die' steh ich als Artikel da.
Mein Ursprung liegt im 'Hindern', doch mein Gebrauch ist delikat,
man nennt mich oft nicht mehr so, im modernen Staat.
Wer bin ich?
EN:
I describe a person, male or female, that is clear,
With 'der' or 'die' as my article, I appear.
My origin lies in 'hindering', but my use is delicate,
I'm often not called this way anymore, in the modern state.
Who am I?
(Solution: Der Behinderte / die Behinderte - the disabled man / the disabled woman)
💡 Other Information
Word Formation: "Behinderte(r)" is a past participle passive of the verb "behindern" (to hinder) that has become a noun (nominalization). It literally means "a hindered person".
Social & Legal Context: The term is closely linked to discussions about inclusion, participation, and anti-discrimination. Laws like the German Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG - Disability Equality Act) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) aim to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities and remove barriers.
Historical Development: The perception and terminology surrounding disability have changed significantly over time, moving from medical or deficit-oriented models towards a social and human rights-based understanding.
📝 Summary: is it der or die Behinderte?
The word "Behinderte" is a nominalized adjective. Use die Behinderte for a female person and der Behinderte for a male person. The plural is die Behinderten. Note that the term can be considered outdated or insensitive; "Mensch mit Behinderung" (person with a disability) is often preferred.