die  Parlamentswahl

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/paʁlaˈmɛntsfal/

🗳️ What does 'die Parlamentswahl' mean?

Die Parlamentswahl (feminine noun, plural: die Parlamentswahlen) refers to the election of members of a parliament. This is a central process in democratic states where citizens choose their representatives for the legislative body.

It's a compound noun made up of:

• das Parlament (the parliament, the legislative assembly)
• die Wahl (the election, the vote, the choice)

The connecting sound -s- links the two parts. Since the second part of the compound (die Wahl) is feminine, the entire word die Parlamentswahl is also feminine.

📝 Grammar Deep Dive: die Parlamentswahl

The noun 'Parlamentswahl' is feminine. The article is 'die'. Here are the declension tables:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

1. Die nächste Parlamentswahl findet in vier Jahren statt.
   (The next parliamentary election takes place in four years.)
2. Das Ergebnis der Parlamentswahl war überraschend.
   (The result of the parliamentary election was surprising.)
3. Viele Bürgerinnen und Bürger beteiligten sich an der Parlamentswahl.
   (Many citizens participated in the parliamentary election.)
4. Die Medien berichteten ausführlich über die Parlamentswahl.
   (The media reported extensively on the parliamentary election.)
5. Nach den Parlamentswahlen begannen die Koalitionsverhandlungen.
   (After the parliamentary elections, the coalition negotiations began.)

💡 How is 'Parlamentswahl' used?

The term Parlamentswahl is primarily used in political and journalistic language. It's a rather general term.

• General term: It can refer to the election for any parliament (e.g., Bundestagswahl in Germany, Nationalratswahl in Austria, but also elections in other countries).
• Distinction: While 'Parlamentswahl' is general, more specific terms like Bundestagswahl (German federal election), Landtagswahl (German state election), or Europawahl (European Parliament election) are often used when the context is clear.
• Formal context: You'll find the word in news reports, political discussions, legal texts, and academic analyses concerning elections and democracy.

For example, one might speak of the "anstehende Parlamentswahl" (upcoming parliamentary election) or analyze the "Ergebnisse vergangener Parlamentswahlen" (results of past parliamentary elections).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Parlamentswahl'

For the article 'die': The last word in a German compound noun determines the article! Die Wahl (the election/choice) is feminine, so die Parlamentswahl is also feminine. Think: Elections (Wahlen) often lead to heated debates, which might make you think of 'die' (as in 'die down' - just a little sound association, not a real meaning link!). Or simply remember die Wahl is feminine.

For the meaning: Break it down: Parlament (parliament) + Wahl (election) = The election where you choose the parliament.

↔️ Related Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with Präsidentschaftswahl (presidential election) or Kommunalwahl (local/municipal election).

😄 A Little Election Joke

German: Fragt ein Politiker den anderen: "Was hältst du von den Wählern?" Antwortet der andere: "Nicht viel, aber sie sind die Einzigen, die uns wählen!"

English: One politician asks another: "What do you think of the voters?" The other replies: "Not much, but they're the only ones who elect us!"

📜 Election Poem

German:
Das Kreuz auf dem Papier,
entscheidet viel, das glauben wir.
Fürs Parlament, für vier Jahr' Frist,
wer uns vertritt, wer wichtig ist.
Die Parlamentswahl, sie kommt geschwind,
bestimmt, wohin die Reise geht, mein Kind.

English Translation:
The cross on the paper,
decides much, we believe that here.
For parliament, for a four-year term,
who represents us, who's important, we learn.
The parliamentary election, it comes fast, you see,
determines where the journey leads, my child, for you and me.

❓ Time for a Riddle

German:
Ich komme alle paar Jahre wieder,
bestimme über hohe Lieder.
Die Bürger geben ihre Stimme ab,
für die Vertretung, flott auf Trab.
Im Haus, wo man Gesetze macht,
wird durch mich die Macht gebracht.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I return every few years,
deciding over lofty careers (metaphorical 'songs').
Citizens cast their vote,
for representation, quick and afloat.
In the house where laws are made,
through me, power is conveyed.

What am I?
Solution: die Parlamentswahl (the parliamentary election)

🧩 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

die Parlamentswahl is a classic example of a German compound noun:

• Determinant: das Parlament (Genitive: des Parlaments) - Specifies what is being elected.
• Linking element: -s- (from the genitive form of Parlament)
• Base word: die Wahl - Determines the gender (feminine) and the basic meaning (it's a type of election).

Importance in Democracy:

Parliamentary elections are the cornerstone of representative democracies. They legitimize the government's power and ensure accountability to the people.