die  Solidarität

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɔlɪdaʁiˈtɛːt/

🤝 What does Solidarität mean?

Die Solidarität is the German word for solidarity. It describes a feeling or attitude of unity and mutual support among individuals or groups sharing common interests, objectives, or values. It implies helping each other, especially in times of need. It's an abstract noun and therefore feminine (die).

There's only this one meaning and the article die. Mix-ups are unlikely.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar & Declension: die Solidarität

Die Solidarität is a feminine noun. As an abstract concept, it is almost exclusively used in the singular. A plural form (die Solidaritäten) is grammatically possible but very rare and usually avoided.

Declension (Singular)

🚨 The plural form is highly uncommon.

Example Sentences

1. Die Solidarität unter den Streikenden war beeindruckend.
   (The solidarity among the strikers was impressive.)
2. Wir müssen mehr Solidarität mit den Schwächeren in unserer Gesellschaft zeigen.
   (We must show more solidarity with the weaker members of our society.)
3. Aus Solidarität spendeten viele Menschen für die Opfer der Flutkatastrophe.
   (Out of solidarity, many people donated for the victims of the flood disaster.)

💬 Using Solidarität: Context and Nuances

Die Solidarität is frequently used in social, political, and ethical contexts:

• Social: Describing cohesion within a community, family, or group of friends (e.g., nachbarschaftliche Solidarität - neighbourly solidarity).
• Political: Often in connection with trade unions, social movements, or international aid (e.g., internationale Solidarität - international solidarity, Solidarität mit den Unterdrückten - solidarity with the oppressed).
• Ethical: As a moral principle obliging mutual aid and support.

Compared to Zusammenhalt (cohesion, unity), Solidarität often emphasizes a conscious choice and a moral or political dimension. Hilfsbereitschaft (helpfulness) is more concrete, referring to specific acts of help, whereas Solidarität describes a more fundamental attitude.

🧠 Mnemonics for Solidarität

Article Mnemonic: Think of abstract concepts often ending in -heit, -keit, -schaft, -ung, -ität in German – they are almost always feminine (die). Solidarität fits this pattern!

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine soldiers (Solidar-) standing together, showing unity (-ität). That's Solidarität.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Loyalität (loyalty) is similar but refers more to faithfulness towards a person, group, or idea, not necessarily mutual support.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum tragen Ameisen keine einzelnen Grashalme?
(Why don't ants carry single blades of grass?)

Weil sie an die Solidarität glauben – zusammen ist der Halm viel leichter!
(Because they believe in solidarity – together the blade is much lighter!)

✒️ Poem about Solidarity

Ein Funke nur, doch wird er groß,
(Just a spark, yet it grows large,)
Wenn Hand in Hand, ganz ohne Los.
(When hand in hand, without any lot [fate/casting lots].)
Ein Ruf, ein Wort, ein leises Flehen,
(A call, a word, a soft plea,)
Lässt Herzen füreinander stehen.
(Makes hearts stand for one another.)
Das ist die Kraft, die uns vereint,
(That is the power that unites us,)
Wenn Not uns prüft, als Freund erscheint.
(When hardship tests us, appearing as a friend.)
Die Solidarität, so klar und rein,
(Solidarity, so clear and pure,)
Lässt niemanden im Stich allein.
(Leaves no one alone in the lurch.)

❓ What am I?

Ich bin kein Vertrag, doch binde ich fest.
(I am not a contract, yet I bind tightly.)
Ich wachse im Kleinen und bestehe den Test.
(I grow in small ways and pass the test.)
Ich zeige mich deutlich in Not und Gefahr,
(I show myself clearly in need and danger,)
bin für den Schwachen als Stütze da.
(I am there as a support for the weak.)
Man ruft mich im Streik und bei großem Leid,
(I am called upon during strikes and great sorrow,)
ich bin die Gemeinschaft, die hilft und befreit.
(I am the community that helps and liberates.)

What am I?
... Die Solidarität (Solidarity)

💡 More Facts about Solidarität

Etymology: The word Solidarität comes from the French solidarité, which in turn derives from the Latin adjective solidus ("firm, whole, solid"). The suffix -ität marks it as an abstract noun.

Cultural Significance: Solidarity is a central value in many cultures and political systems, especially in social movements, trade unions, and the concept of the welfare state (Sozialstaat). It is often closely linked to justice (Gerechtigkeit) and equality (Gleichheit).