die
Stimmabgabe
🗳️ What exactly is a Stimmabgabe?
Die Stimmabgabe refers to the act of voting or casting a ballot, meaning the action by which a person formally expresses their vote in an election, poll, or decision. It's the moment the ballot paper is cast or an electronic vote is registered.
There's only this one meaning for the word with the article die. It is a feminine noun.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Stimmabgabe
The noun die Stimmabgabe is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Stimmabgabe |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Stimmabgabe |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Stimmabgabe |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Stimmabgabe |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Stimmabgaben |
| Genitive | der | Stimmabgaben |
| Dative | den | Stimmabgaben |
| Accusative | die | Stimmabgaben |
Example Sentences:
- Die Stimmabgabe erfolgte geheim in der Wahlkabine.
(The casting of the vote took place secretly in the voting booth.) - Nach der Stimmabgabe wurden die Wahlurnen versiegelt.
(After the votes were cast, the ballot boxes were sealed.) - Die Frist für die briefliche Stimmabgabe endet morgen.
(The deadline for postal voting ends tomorrow.) - Viele Bürger nahmen ihr Recht zur Stimmabgabe wahr.
(Many citizens exercised their right to vote.)
💬 When to use die Stimmabgabe?
The term die Stimmabgabe is primarily used in the context of elections and votes, both in the political and organizational spheres (e.g., in club meetings, general assemblies).
- Political Elections: Bundestagswahl (federal election), Landtagswahl (state election), Kommunalwahl (local election), Europawahl (European election).
- Votes/Polls: Referenden (referendums), Volksentscheide (plebiscites), Bürgerbegehren (citizens' initiatives).
- Organizations: Vorstandswahlen (board elections) in Vereinen (clubs), decisions in Gremien (committees) or Versammlungen (assemblies).
It describes the formal act of voting itself. One often speaks of persönliche Stimmabgabe (personal voting at the polling station) or briefliche Stimmabgabe (postal voting).
Risk of confusion? Sometimes it's used synonymously with "Wahl" (election) or "Abstimmung" (vote, poll), but Stimmabgabe specifically emphasizes the process of casting the vote, while "Wahl" or "Abstimmung" can refer more broadly to the entire event or the result.
💡 Mnemonics for Stimmabgabe
For the Article: Think of related feminine nouns: die Wahl (the election), die Urne (the ballot box), die Entscheidung (the decision) – they all fit with die Stimmabgabe. Remember: Die democracy thrives on die Stimmabgabe!
For the Meaning: Break it down: Stimme (voice, vote) + Abgabe (giving, submission, handing in). So, Stimmabgabe is the 'giving/submitting of the vote'. Imagine 'submitting' your voice/opinion.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Die Abstimmung: Often synonymous, but can also mean the result or the entire process.
- Die Wahl: Usually refers to the entire event of electing people or parties.
- Das Votum: (formal) Expression of will through voting.
- Der Wahlgang: The process of voting, often used similarly to Stimmabgabe.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Die Stimmenthaltung / Wahlenthaltung: Abstention; the conscious decision not to vote.
- Die Nichtwahl: Non-voting; failure to participate in an election.
⚠️ Note: "Die Stimme" alone just means the vote itself or the human voice, not the act of casting it.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Bleistifte nicht an der Wahl teil?
Weil sie Angst haben, bei der Stimmabgabe durchzufallen! 😉
---
Why don't pencils take part in the election?
Because they're afraid of failing (literally 'falling through', also 'failing an exam') during the Stimmabgabe (casting the vote / handing in the paper)! 😉
📜 Poem about Voting
Im Stillen der Kabine,
Ein Kreuz, ganz klein und fein.
Die Stimmabgabe, leise,
Lässt deine Meinung sein.
Ein Akt von großer Wirkung,
Für Land und Leute hier,
Die Stimmabgabe zählt,
Gestalte mit, glaub mir!
---
In the quiet of the booth,
A cross, so small and fine.
The casting of the vote, softly,
Lets your opinion shine.
An act of great effect,
For country and people here,
The Stimmabgabe counts,
Shape things too, hold it dear!
❓ Riddle
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch ich gebe sie kund.
Ich bin ein Akt, oft geheim, tue Meinung dir kund.
Mal auf Papier, mal digital geschwind,
Bin Teil der Wahl zu jeder Stund'.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung: Die Stimmabgabe)
---
I have no voice, yet I make it known.
I am an act, often secret, making opinion shown.
Sometimes on paper, sometimes digitally swift,
I'm part of the election, a democratic gift.
What am I?
(Answer: Die Stimmabgabe / The casting of the vote)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word Stimmabgabe is a compound noun, composed of:
- Die Stimme: (here in the sense of vote, ballot)
- Die Abgabe: (the act of giving, submitting, handing in)
So it literally means the "submission of the vote".
Trivia:
In many democracies, die Stimmabgabe is a fundamental right, sometimes even a civic duty. The method of Stimmabgabe (in person, by mail, electronic) varies depending on the country and the election.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Stimmabgabe?
The word Stimmabgabe is always feminine. The correct article is die: die Stimmabgabe (singular) and die Stimmabgaben (plural). It refers to the act of voting or casting a ballot.