die  Bundestagsfraktion

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəsˌtaːksfʁakˈtsi̯oːn/

🏛️ What does 'die Bundestagsfraktion' mean?

Die Bundestagsfraktion (noun, feminine) refers to a parliamentary group formed by members of parliament (Abgeordnete) from one party, or politically aligned parties, within the German federal parliament, the Bundestag. It is a crucial organizational and political unit within the parliament.

A Fraktion is formed when at least 5% of the members of the Bundestag join forces. It consolidates the interests of its members, coordinates their work, and represents common political positions.

There is only this one meaning for the word with the article 'die'.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Bundestagsfraktion

The word "Bundestagsfraktion" is a feminine noun. The definite article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. Die größte Bundestagsfraktion stellt oft den Kanzlerkandidaten.
   (The largest parliamentary group in the Bundestag often puts forward the candidate for chancellor.)
2. Der Vorsitzende der Bundestagsfraktion gab eine Pressekonferenz.
   (The leader of the parliamentary group gave a press conference.)
3. Die Regierung muss mit den Bundestagsfraktionen verhandeln.
   (The government has to negotiate with the parliamentary groups.)
4. Man erkennt die Bundestagsfraktionen an ihren unterschiedlichen politischen Zielen.
   (One recognises the parliamentary groups by their different political goals.)

🗣️ How is 'Bundestagsfraktion' used?

The term die Bundestagsfraktion is primarily used in political contexts, especially when discussing the work of the German Bundestag, political parties, or legislative processes.

• Typical Contexts: News reports, political discussions, parliamentary debates, academic analyses of politics.
• Importance: Fraktionen are central to the functioning of the Bundestag. They organise parliamentary work, fill committee positions, and formulate legislative initiatives.
• Distinction: A Partei (party) is an organisation that participates in elections. A Bundestagsfraktion is the group formed by the elected members (Abgeordnete) of that party (or allied parties) within the parliament. Not every party member is in the Bundestag and thus part of the Fraktion.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of a powerful 'fraction' or section of the parliament, often led with decisive action, which feels quite feminine in its coordination - hence 'die' Fraktion. Like 'The' group that acts.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: 'Bundestag' (the parliament) + 'Fraktion' (sounds like fraction). So, it's a 'fraction' or group within the Bundestag.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with Landtagsfraktion (parliamentary group in a state parliament).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Abgeordneter den anderen: "Warum sind Fraktionssitzungen manchmal wie U-Boot-Fahrten?"
Antwortet der andere: "Keine Ahnung."
"Weil immer irgendwann mal einer auftaucht und Ärger macht!"

Translation:
One MP asks another: "Why are parliamentary group meetings sometimes like submarine trips?"
The other replies: "No idea."
"Because sooner or later, someone always surfaces and causes trouble!"

✍️ Poem about the Bundestagsfraktion

Im hohen Haus, dem Bundestag,
da zählt, was man gemeinsam sagt.
Die Bundestagsfraktion vereint,
was Abgeordnete gemeint.
Sie planen, reden, streiten auch,
so ist's im Parlament der Brauch.
Mal Opposition, mal an der Macht,
hat jede ihre Kraft und Wacht.

Translation:
In the high house, the Bundestag,
What's said together counts, alack.
The parliamentary group unites,
What members mean with all their mights.
They plan, they talk, they argue too,
As is the custom, old and new.
Sometimes opposing, sometimes ruling fast,
Each has its power, built to last.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Team im großen Haus,
gewählt vom Volk, tagaus, tagein.
Wir teilen Ziele, kämpfen aus
Debatten, wollen Sieger sein.
Mein Name klingt nach Teil und Bund,
wer kennt mich in der Politikerkund'?

Translation:
I am a team within the great house,
Elected by the people, day in, day out.
We share goals, fight out
Debates, wanting to be winners, no doubt.
My name sounds like 'part' and 'federation',
Who knows me in the politicians' nation?

Solution: Die Bundestagsfraktion

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Bundestagsfraktion" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Bundestag: The name of the German federal parliament.
• Fraktion: From the Latin "fractio" = break, fragment, division. Denotes a group within a larger organization, here the parliament.

Together, the meaning is therefore "subgroup / organizational unit within the Bundestag".