die  Neutralität

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/nɔʏtʁaˌliːtɛːt/

🌍 What does Neutralität mean?

Die Neutralität describes the state or attitude of impartiality, especially in conflicts, disputes, or political disagreements. It signifies non-participation in a war or alliance, as well as an objective, unbiased stance.

Essentially, it's about not taking sides and staying out of a conflict or maintaining an impartial position. The word is always feminine in German.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: die Neutralität

The noun 'Neutralität' is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. The plural ('die Neutralitäten') is very rare and hardly ever used.

Declension (Singular)

Example Sentences

1. Die Schweiz ist bekannt für ihre politische Neutralität.
   Switzerland is known for its political neutrality.
2. Der Richter wahrte während des gesamten Prozesses strikte Neutralität.
   The judge maintained strict neutrality throughout the entire trial.
3. Es ist wichtig, in dieser Angelegenheit Neutralität zu bewahren.
   It is important to maintain neutrality in this matter.

🗣️ How to use Neutralität

The term Neutralität is frequently used in political and international law contexts to describe the stance of a state that does not participate in armed conflicts (e.g., bewaffnete Neutralität - armed neutrality, dauernde Neutralität - permanent neutrality).

Furthermore, it also describes a general attitude of impartiality or objectivity in everyday life, discussions, or decision-making.

Important Distinction: While Neutralität often implies a conscious decision of non-involvement (especially politically/militarily), Unparteilichkeit (impartiality) tends to describe a fair, objective attitude without favouring any side, e.g., for a referee.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -tät in German (like Qualität, Realität, Aktivität) are almost always feminine. Think of the ending '-tät' - it sounds a bit like 'state' (as in 'state of being'). Feminine 'die' often goes with abstract states or qualities. So: die Neutralität.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a 'neutral' gear in a car – it's not engaged forward or backward. Neutralität is like being in that 'neutral' state, not engaged with either side of a conflict. ⚖️

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: While Indifferenz might sometimes seem similar to Neutralität, it implies disinterest or apathy, whereas Neutralität is often a conscious political or ethical stance.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum konnte sich die Schweiz nie für eine Eissorte entscheiden?
Wegen ihrer strikten Neutralität!

Why could Switzerland never decide on an ice cream flavour?
Because of its strict neutrality!

📜 Poem about Neutralität

Im Sturm der Welt, im lauten Streit,
Steht fest die Neutralität.
Kein Ja, kein Nein, kein Freund, kein Feind,
Ein stiller Weg, der Frieden meint.
Sie wägt und schaut, hält sich zurück,
Ein eignes, unparteiisch Glück.

In the world's storm, in loud dispute,
Stands firm the Neutrality, resolute.
No yes, no no, no friend, no foe,
A silent path where peace may grow.
It weighs and watches, holds itself back,
Its own impartial, happy track.

🤔 A Little Riddle

Ich mische mich nicht ein, ich wähle keine Seit'.
Bin oft in Politik und Recht verbreit'.
Man schätzt mich sehr in Kriegsgefahr,
Ein Land ist dafür weltbekannt sogar.

Was bin ich?

I don't interfere, I choose no side.
In politics and law, I often reside.
I'm highly valued when war is near,
One country's known for holding me dear.

What am I? Solution: die Neutralität (neutrality)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Formation: The word 'Neutralität' is composed of the adjective neutral (from Latin neutralis = 'belonging to neither gender', later 'belonging to neither party') and the suffix -ität, which forms abstract nouns and is usually feminine in German.

Famous Example: Die dauernde Neutralität der Schweiz (Switzerland's permanent neutrality) is enshrined in international law and is a core element of its foreign policy.