die
Gleichberechtigung
⚖️ What does Gleichberechtigung mean?
Die Gleichberechtigung is a German noun that translates to equality or equal rights. It refers to the principle that all people should have the same rights and duties, regardless of characteristics such as gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal traits. It's about the legal and social equality of all individuals within a society.
It is an abstract noun and is therefore almost exclusively used in the singular. The article is always die, because words ending in "-ung" in German are typically feminine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar: Die Gleichberechtigung in Detail
The noun die Gleichberechtigung is feminine. As an abstract concept, it is normally only used in the singular. There is no plural form.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gleichberechtigung |
| Genitive | der | Gleichberechtigung |
| Dative | der | Gleichberechtigung |
| Accusative | die | Gleichberechtigung |
Example Sentences
- Die Gleichberechtigung von Mann und Frau ist im Grundgesetz verankert.
(The equal rights of men and women are enshrined in the constitution.) - Wir kämpfen für die soziale und wirtschaftliche Gleichberechtigung aller Bürger.
(We fight for the social and economic equality of all citizens.) - Das Prinzip der Gleichberechtigung muss in allen Lebensbereichen gelten.
(The principle of equal rights must apply in all areas of life.)
🗣️ How to use Gleichberechtigung
Die Gleichberechtigung is mainly used in political, social, and legal contexts. It is a central term in discussions about human rights, feminism, anti-discrimination, and social justice.
- Context: Often used in connection with laws (e.g., Grundgesetz - the German Basic Law), social movements, or philosophical debates.
- Distinction: While Gleichheit (equality) is a broader term, Gleichberechtigung specifically refers to equal rights. Gleichstellung (equal status, gender equality) often emphasizes achieving actual equality of opportunity, which can go beyond purely legal equality.
🧠 Mnemonics for Gleichberechtigung
Article 'die': Remember that German nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine (die). Think of a powerful advocate demanding rights ('Berechtigung') for all - SHE demands die Gleichberechtigung.
Meaning: The word is composed of gleich (equal) and Berechtigung (right, entitlement, authorization). So, it literally means having 'equal rights' or 'equal entitlement'.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Similar Terms (Synonyms)
- Gleichstellung: Often emphasizes the practical implementation of equal opportunities (equal status).
- Ebenbürtigkeit: Equality in status or value, being on par.
- Chancengleichheit: Equal opportunity.
- Parität: Parity, equal representation (e.g., on committees).
Opposite Terms (Antonyms)
- Ungleichbehandlung: Unequal treatment.
- Diskriminierung: Discrimination.
- Ungleichheit: Inequality.
- Benachteiligung: Disadvantage.
⚠️ Note: The term Gleichmacherei is a pejorative term criticizing excessive or nonsensical equalization and should not be confused with Gleichberechtigung.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef seine neue Sekretärin: "Können Sie auch diktieren?"
Sie: "Selbstverständlich! Kommen Sie her, setzen Sie sich und schreiben Sie!"
--- Translation ---
The boss asks his new secretary: "Can you also take dictation?" (Wordplay: 'diktieren' can mean 'to dictate' or 'to take dictation').
She replies: "Of course! Come here, sit down, and write!"
(A little nod to role reversal in the spirit of equality.)
📜 Poem about Gleichberechtigung
Ob Mann, ob Frau, ob alt, ob jung,
gleiches Recht für jeden Schwung.
Kein Unterschied nach Haut und Haar,
die Gleichberechtigung ist wunderbar.
Ein Ziel, für das wir alle steh'n,
um fair und just durchs Leben geh'n.
--- Translation ---
Whether man or woman, old or young,
equal rights for everyone's run.
No difference by skin or hair,
equality is wonderful and fair.
A goal for which we all stand tall,
to walk through life justly, fair to all.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich sorge dafür, dass vor dem Gesetz,
niemand bevorzugt wird, das ist kein Geschwätz.
Ich fordere Respekt, für sie und für ihn,
in Rechten und Pflichten soll Einigkeit zieh'n.
Was bin ich?
--- Translation ---
I ensure that before the law,
no one is favored, that's no flaw.
I demand respect, for her and for him,
in rights and duties, unity should swim.
What am I?
Solution: die Gleichberechtigung (equality / equal rights)
✨ Other Information
Word Composition: The word is a compound noun formed from the adjective gleich (equal) and the noun die Berechtigung (entitlement, right), which itself is derived from the verb berechtigen (to entitle).
Historical Context: The struggle for Gleichberechtigung, especially for women, is a significant part of German and international history throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gleichberechtigung?
The word Gleichberechtigung is feminine. The correct article is always die. So, the correct form is: die Gleichberechtigung.