die
Gleichstellung
📜 What does "die Gleichstellung" mean?
Die Gleichstellung refers to the state or process where different people or groups are granted the same rights, opportunities, and status. It's about dismantling existing disadvantages and establishing legal and actual equality.
The term is frequently used in the context of Geschlechtergleichstellung (gender equality), meaning the equality of men and women in all areas of life (work, family, politics). However, it can also refer to the equality of other groups, e.g., based on origin, religion, or disability.
In contrast to Gleichberechtigung (equal rights, the fundamental claim to equal rights), die Gleichstellung often emphasizes the active creation of equal conditions and outcomes.
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 Deep Dive: Die Gleichstellung
The word "Gleichstellung" is a feminine noun. It always takes the article "die". It is usually only used in the singular form, as it describes an abstract state or process.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gleichstellung | the equality |
| Genitive | der | Gleichstellung | of the equality |
| Dative | der | Gleichstellung | to/for the equality |
| Accusative | die | Gleichstellung | the equality |
Examples 📝
- Die Gleichstellung von Mann und Frau ist ein wichtiges gesellschaftliches Ziel. (The equality of men and women is an important societal goal.)
- Viele Gesetze dienen der Gleichstellung benachteiligter Gruppen. (Many laws serve the equalization of disadvantaged groups.)
- Man kämpft seit Jahrzehnten für die Gleichstellung in der Arbeitswelt. (People have been fighting for equality in the workplace for decades.)
🗣️ How to Use Gleichstellung
"Gleichstellung" is a key term in political and social discussions in Germany.
- Contexts: It's often used when talking about Gleichstellung der Geschlechter (gender equality), Gleichstellung am Arbeitsplatz (equality in the workplace), rechtliche Gleichstellung (legal equality/equal legal status), or the Gleichstellung von Menschen mit Behinderungen (equality for people with disabilities).
- Distinction: While Gleichberechtigung describes the principle of equal rights, Gleichstellung focuses more on the actual implementation and achievement of equal opportunities and outcomes. However, the terms are sometimes used synonymously. Gleichbehandlung (equal treatment) refers to specific non-discriminatory actions in individual cases.
- Formality: The term is more common in formal contexts (politics, law, academia, media) than in casual everyday conversation.
🧠 Mnemonics for Gleichstellung
Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Stellung" (the position, which is feminine). A good 'Stellung' in society should be 'gleich' (equal) for everyone – therefore, it's die Gleich-stellung.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine scales ('Waage' - symbol of justice). They are only 'gleich' (balanced/equal) if there's equal weight on both sides. Gleichstellung aims to balance society's scales.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Gleichberechtigung: Often used synonymously, but emphasizes the right itself more. (Equal rights)
- Parität: Parity, often in the sense of numerical equality (e.g., paritätische Besetzung - parity representation).
- Ebenbürtigkeit: Equal standing or status.
- Chancengleichheit: Equal opportunity.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Ungleichheit: Inequality (general state).
- Diskriminierung: Discrimination (active disadvantaging).
- Benachteiligung: Disadvantage, putting someone at a disadvantage.
- Ungleichbehandlung: Unequal treatment (specific action).
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with Gleichschaltung, a term from the Nazi era referring to the forced coordination and unification of social and political life, carrying an extremely negative connotation.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Chef seine neue Mitarbeiterin: "Haben Sie schon Erfahrung mit Gleichstellung am Arbeitsplatz?" Sie: "Aber sicher! Ich behandle alle Kollegen gleich schlecht."
English Translation: The boss asks his new employee: "Do you have any experience with equality in the workplace?" She replies: "Absolutely! I treat all colleagues equally badly."
(Please don't do this! 😉)
📜 Poem about Gleichstellung
German:
Ob Mann, ob Frau, ob alt, ob jung,
ob Herkunft fern, ob nah der Sprung.
Die Chance gleich, der Wert erkannt,
Gleichstellung reicht sich hier die Hand.
Nicht nur das Recht, auch Tat muss sein,
damit wir wirklich alle frei'n.
Ein Platz für jeden, ohne Streit,
in echter Gleichheit weit und breit.
English Translation:
Whether man or woman, old or young,
Whether origin's far or closely sprung.
The chance the same, the value known,
Equality's hand is hereby shown.
Not just the right, but deeds must be,
So that we all are truly free.
A place for everyone, without strife,
In real equality, broad and life.
🧩 Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin ein Ziel, mal nah, mal fern,
habe mit Rechten einen Kern.
Ich sorge dafür, dass im Leben
für alle gleiche Chancen schweben.
Man fordert mich in Amt und Staat,
für gleiche Löhne, gleiche Tat.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I am a goal, sometimes near, sometimes far,
At my core, rights often are.
I ensure that throughout life's stage,
Equal chances grace every age.
Demanded in office and the state,
For equal pay, and equal fate.
What am I?
Solution: die Gleichstellung (equality/equal status)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Gleichstellung" is a compound noun, formed from:
- gleich: Adjective/adverb meaning "equal" or "same".
- Stellung: Noun (feminine) meaning "position", "status", or "placement".
Together, the meaning is essentially "equal position" or "equal status".
Societal Relevance: The term and concept of Gleichstellung are central elements of modern German social and legal policy, anchored, among other places, in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz, Art. 3 GG).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gleichstellung?
The word "Gleichstellung" is a feminine noun and therefore always uses the article die. It describes the state or process of achieving equality, especially in social and legal contexts.