die
Briefwahl
🗳️ Understanding die Briefwahl: What Does It Mean?
Die Briefwahl is the German term for postal voting or absentee voting. It describes a method of casting a vote in an election or referendum where eligible voters submit their ballot by mail instead of voting in person at a polling station.
Voters receive the necessary documents (Wahlunterlagen) in advance, either by mail or by collecting them, fill out the ballot paper (Stimmzettel), and return it by the specified deadline.
Die Briefwahl is an important option for exercising the right to vote (Wahlrecht), especially for people who cannot go to the polling station on election day (Wahltag), for example, due to illness (Krankheit), vacation (Urlaub), or work commitments (Berufstätigkeit).
The word is composed of:
Grammar Spotlight: Declining die Briefwahl
The noun „Briefwahl“ is feminine. Therefore, the correct definite article is always „die“.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Briefwahl |
| Genitive | der | Briefwahl |
| Dative | der | Briefwahl |
| Accusative | die | Briefwahl |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Briefwahlen |
| Genitive | der | Briefwahlen |
| Dative | den | Briefwahlen |
| Accusative | die | Briefwahlen |
Example Sentences
- Viele Bürger beantragen die Briefwahl, um bequem von zu Hause aus wählen zu können.
(Many citizens apply for postal voting to be able to vote conveniently from home.) - Die Ergebnisse der Briefwahl werden oft erst nach Schließung der Wahllokale vollständig ausgezählt.
(The results of the postal vote are often only fully counted after the polling stations have closed.) - Informationen zur Beantragung der Briefwahl finden Sie auf der Webseite der Stadt.
(You can find information on how to apply for postal voting on the city's website.) - Bei den letzten Briefwahlen gab es eine Rekordbeteiligung.
(There was record participation in the last postal votes/elections using postal voting.)
When to Use die Briefwahl?
Die Briefwahl is primarily used in the context of political elections (Wahlen) – like federal (Bundestagswahl), state (Landtagswahlen), local (Kommunalwahlen), European (Europawahl) elections – and referendums (Abstimmungen).
- Typical Usage: People talk about Briefwahl beantragen (to apply for postal voting), per Briefwahl abstimmen/wählen (to vote by mail), or the Ergebnisse der Briefwahl (results of the postal vote).
- Context: Democracy, elections, political participation, administration.
- Target Group: Eligible voters who cannot or do not want to go to the polling station on election day.
- Comparison: Die Briefwahl is an alternative to Urnenwahl (voting at the polling station by putting the ballot in the ballot box). It's a form of Fernwahl (remote voting).
🚨 Important: The deadlines (Fristen) for applying for and returning the postal voting documents must be strictly observed, otherwise the vote is invalid (ungültig).
📮 Handy Mnemonics for die Briefwahl
Mnemonic for the Article: Think of 'Wahl' (election/choice). Most nouns ending in '-ahl' derived from verbs are feminine, like die Wahl. Adding 'Brief' doesn't change the gender: die Briefwahl.
Mnemonic for the Meaning: Imagine sending a Brief (letter) to make your Wahl (choice/vote) count – that's Briefwahl. ✉️🗳️
Synonyms & Antonyms: Similar & Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Fernwahl: (Remote voting) - A broader term that can include other forms of remote voting (not just by mail).
- Briefliche Stimmabgabe: (Voting submission by letter) - A slightly more formal description.
- Abstimmung per Post: (Voting via mail) - A very direct description of the process.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Urnenwahl: (Ballot box voting) - The traditional way of voting in person at a polling station.
- Präsenzwahl: (Presence voting) - Voting by being physically present at the polling station.
Potentially Confusing Words:
- Wahlbrief: This refers specifically to the envelope used to return the postal voting documents. Die Briefwahl is the process, der Wahlbrief is the envelope.
A Little Election Humor
German:
Frage: Warum hat der Brief Wähler überzeugt?
Antwort: Weil er so gut ankam! 😉✉️
English Translation:
Question: Why did the letter convince voters?
Answer: Because it was so well received! (Pun: 'ankommen' means 'to arrive' and 'to be well received/popular') 😉✉️
A Postal Vote Poem
German:
Der Wahltermin, er rückt heran,
doch ich bin leider nicht vor Ort.
Kein Problem, ich hab 'nen Plan,
schick' meine Stimme fort.
Die Briefwahl macht es möglich dann,
per Post, ganz einfach, schnell und schlau.
So zählt mein Kreuzchen, dann und wann,
das weiß ich ganz genau!
English Translation:
The election date, it's drawing near,
But sadly, I am not right here.
No problem, I have got a plan,
I'll send my vote off like a fan.
Die Briefwahl makes it possible then,
By post, so easy, quick, and smart.
My little cross will count again,
I know it plays its part!
Election Riddle Time!
German:
Ich komme per Post zu dir nach Haus,
damit du wählst, ganz ohne Graus.
Du füllst mich aus, schickst mich zurück,
fürs demokratische Glück.
Im Wahllokal musst du nicht sein,
dank mir gibst du die Stimme ein.
Wer bin ich?
English Translation:
I come by mail right to your place,
So you can vote, with speed and grace.
You fill me out, send me right back,
Keeping democracy on track.
At the polling station, you need not be,
Thanks to me, you cast your decree.
What am I?
Solution: Die Briefwahl (Postal Voting)
Extra Insights: More on die Briefwahl
Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):
The word "Briefwahl" is a compound noun, made up of:
- der Brief (noun): Refers to the medium (letter/mail) used to transport the voting documents.
- die Wahl (noun): Refers to the act of voting or the election event itself.
Historical Context (Historisches):
The option of postal voting (die Briefwahl) was introduced and expanded gradually in Germany to increase voter turnout (Wahlbeteiligung) and facilitate participation for all citizens. It gained significant importance, particularly during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Briefwahl?
The word 'Briefwahl' refers to postal voting and is feminine, so the correct article is always die Briefwahl.