die /
der
Unparteiische
❓ What does Unparteiische mean?
The word Unparteiische is a nominalized adjective (substantiviertes Adjektiv). It describes a person who is not partisan, meaning someone who judges or acts neutrally, objectively, and fairly. The article depends on the gender of the person:
- Die Unparteiische: Refers to a female person who is impartial (e.g., a female referee, judge, mediator).
- Der Unparteiische: Refers to a male person who is impartial (e.g., a male referee, judge, mediator).
⚠️ Important: It's derived from the adjective unparteiisch (impartial). The form depends on the grammatical gender of the person being referred to.
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 in Detail: Der/Die Unparteiische
As a nominalized adjective, 'Unparteiische(r)' follows the weak declension pattern after the definite article (der/die).
Declension: die Unparteiische (feminine)
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Unparteiische | die Unparteiischen |
| Genitive | der Unparteiischen | der Unparteiischen |
| Dative | der Unparteiischen | den Unparteiischen |
| Accusative | die Unparteiische | die Unparteiischen |
Declension: der Unparteiische (masculine)
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Unparteiische | die Unparteiischen |
| Genitive | des Unparteiischen | der Unparteiischen |
| Dative | dem Unparteiischen | den Unparteiischen |
| Accusative | den Unparteiischen | die Unparteiischen |
Example Sentences
- Die Unparteiische leitete das Fußballspiel souverän. (The impartial one [fem.] managed the football match confidently.)
- Alle vertrauten dem Urteil des Unparteiischen. (Everyone trusted the judgment of the impartial one [masc.].)
- Wir danken der Unparteiischen für ihre faire Entscheidung. (We thank the impartial one [fem.] for her fair decision.)
- Man rief den Unparteiischen zur Klärung des Streits. (They called the impartial one [masc.] to resolve the dispute.)
- Die Unparteiischen wurden für ihre Neutralität gelobt. (The impartial ones [plural] were praised for their neutrality.)
💡 Application and Context
The term Unparteiische(r) is often used in contexts where neutrality and objectivity are crucial:
- Sports: Referees or umpires are frequently called 'die Unparteiischen'. Their job is to enforce the rules fairly. (e.g., Der Unparteiische zeigte die gelbe Karte. - The referee [masc.] showed the yellow card.)
- Law: Judges or arbitrators must be impartial to ensure a fair trial. (e.g., Die Unparteiische hörte beide Seiten an. - The judge [fem.] listened to both sides.)
- Mediation/Conflict Resolution: A neutral third party helping to resolve a dispute. (e.g., Man einigte sich auf einen Unparteiischen als Mediator. - They agreed on an impartial person [masc.] as a mediator.)
- General: Any situation requiring a neutral perspective or decision.
The word emphasizes the absence of partiality (Parteilichkeit) - not favouring any side.
🧠 How to Remember 'Unparteiische'
Remembering the Article: Think of people! Die is typically for feminine nouns, so die Unparteiische is the female impartial person. Der is for masculine, so der Unparteiische is the male impartial person.
Remembering the Meaning: Break it down: Un- (not) + Partei (party, side) + -isch (adjective ending) + -e(r) (person ending). An 'Un-partei-ische' person does not take a 'Partei' (side); they are neutral.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Neutrale(r): Very similar, emphasizes the neutral position.
- Schiedsrichter(in): Specifically a referee in sports.
- Richter(in): Specifically a judge in a legal context (must be impartial).
- Mediator(in), Schlichter(in): Person who mediates neutrally.
- Objektive(r) Beobachter(in): Objective observer.
Antonyms (opposites):
- Parteiische(r): Someone who favours one side (partisan).
- Befangene(r): Someone who is biased, often for personal reasons.
- Parteigänger(in): Someone who clearly belongs to a party or group and represents its interests (supporter, follower).
🚨 Caution: While a Richter (judge) should be impartial, Unparteiische(r) directly describes the quality of impartiality.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Trainer den Schiedsrichter: "Können Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist?"
Antwortet der Unparteiische: "Warum? Glauben Sie, das Spiel dauert noch bis morgen?"
Translation:
The coach asks the referee: "Can you tell me what time it is?"
The impartial one replies: "Why? Do you think the game will last until tomorrow?"
🖋️ Poem about the Impartial One
Im Spiel, im Streit, im Tribunal,
steht er/sie bereit, neutral, egal
wer klagt, wer hofft, wer zürnt, wer lacht,
er/sie hat nur auf die Fairness acht.
Kein Freund, kein Feind, nur Regelwerk,
der/die Unparteiische – ein starkes Merk'.
Das Urteil fällt, gerecht und klar,
so soll es sein, Jahr für Jahr.
Translation:
In game, in conflict, in the court,
stands he/she ready, neutral, of any sort
who complains, who hopes, who rages, who laughs,
he/she only pays attention to fairness' paths.
No friend, no foe, just the rulebook's might,
the impartial one – a strong guiding light.
The judgment falls, just and clear,
so it should be, year after year.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich trage oft Schwarz, doch bin kein Priester.
Ich pfeife laut, doch bin kein Flötenspieler.
Ich habe keine Lieblingsmannschaft, kein Lieblingsteam allein.
Mein Urteil soll gerecht und objektiv sein.
Wer bin ich (männlich oder weiblich)?
Translation:
I often wear black, but am no priest.
I whistle loudly, but am no flute player.
I have no favorite team, no favorite side for me.
My judgment should be just and objective, you see.
Who am I (male or female)?
Solution: Der/Die Unparteiische (often meaning referee)
✨ Further Information
Word Formation: The word is formed from:
- Prefix un- (negation)
- Root word Partei (party, side, group with shared interests)
- Suffix -isch (forms adjectives)
- Nominalizing ending -e (feminine) / -er (masculine, but declined as -e after the article)
Plural: The plural form is the same for both genders: die Unparteiischen. It refers to a group of neutral people (male, female, or mixed).
Context Dependency: The specific role (referee, judge, etc.) is usually clear from the context.
📝 Summary: is it der or die Unparteiische?
It's die Unparteiische for a female impartial person and der Unparteiische for a male impartial person. It's a nominalized adjective expressing neutrality and fairness.