die /
der
Wahlberechtigte
🗳️ What does Wahlberechtigte mean?
The word Wahlberechtigte is a nominalized adjective, derived from the adjective wahlberechtigt (eligible to vote). It refers to a person who has the right to participate in an election.
The article changes depending on the person's gender:
- der Wahlberechtigte: Refers to a male person who is eligible to vote.
- die Wahlberechtigte: Refers to a female person who is eligible to vote.
The plural form is die Wahlberechtigten and refers to multiple eligible voters, regardless of gender.
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: Declension of Wahlberechtigte(r)
As a nominalized adjective, "Wahlberechtigte(r)" follows the weak declension after the definite article (der/die), just like an adjective after a definite article.
Masculine (der Wahlberechtigte - the male eligible voter)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Wahlberechtigte |
| Genitive | des Wahlberechtigten |
| Dative | dem Wahlberechtigten |
| Accusative | den Wahlberechtigten |
Feminine (die Wahlberechtigte - the female eligible voter)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Wahlberechtigte |
| Genitive | der Wahlberechtigten |
| Dative | der Wahlberechtigten |
| Accusative | die Wahlberechtigte |
Plural (die Wahlberechtigten - the eligible voters)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Wahlberechtigten |
| Genitive | der Wahlberechtigten |
| Dative | den Wahlberechtigten |
| Accusative | die Wahlberechtigten |
💡 Example Sentences
- Der Wahlberechtigte wirft seinen Stimmzettel in die Urne.
(The male eligible voter casts his ballot paper into the ballot box.) - Die Liste enthält die Namen aller Wahlberechtigten.
(The list contains the names of all eligible voters.) - Die Briefwahlunterlagen wurden an die Wahlberechtigte verschickt.
(The postal voting documents were sent to the female eligible voter.) - Jeder Wahlberechtigte erhält eine Wahlbenachrichtigung.
(Every eligible voter receives a polling card.)
✅ How and When to Use Wahlberechtigte(r)
The word is mainly used in the context of Wahlen (elections) and Abstimmungen (polls, referendums), whether in politics, clubs, or other organizations.
- Context: Official language, news reports, discussions about democracy and participation.
- Formality: Generally formal, but also common in everyday language when discussing elections.
- Common Collocations: Zahl der Wahlberechtigten (number of eligible voters), alle Wahlberechtigten (all eligible voters), als Wahlberechtigter registriert sein (to be registered as an eligible voter).
- Comparison: A "Wähler(in)" (voter) is someone who actually votes or has voted. A "Wahlberechtigte(r)" is someone who has the right to vote, regardless of whether they exercise it.
⚠️ Be sure to use the correct article according to the person's gender. In plural or for mixed-gender groups, always use "die Wahlberechtigten".
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
For the Articles: Think of people: Der is for 'der Mann' (the man) who is eligible, die is for 'die Frau' (the woman) who is eligible. (Simple gender association).
For the Meaning: Break down the word: Wahl (election, choice) + berechtigt (entitled, authorized). Someone who is entitled to make a choice in an election is a Wahlberechtigte(r).
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms/Opposites (Opposite Meaning)
- Nichtwahlberechtigte(r): Person without the right to vote (e.g., due to age, citizenship).
Potential Confusion
- Wahlhelfer(in): Election helper/poll worker - person assisting with election organization.
- Kandidat(in): Candidate - person running for election.
😄 A Little Election Joke
Fragt ein Wahlberechtigter den anderen: "Hast du schon gewählt?"
Sagt der andere: "Nein, ich bin noch unentschlossen. Ich schwanke noch zwischen Nichtwählen und Zuhausebleiben."
Translation:
One eligible voter asks another: "Have you voted yet?"
The other says: "No, I'm still undecided. I'm torn between not voting and staying home."
✍️ Poem: The Election (Die Wahl)
Der Wahlberechtigte, Mann und Frau,
Gehen zur Urne, klug und schlau.
Die Stimme zählt, das ist doch klar,
Fürs nächste Jahr, fürs nächste Jahr.
Translation:
The eligible voter, woman and man,
Go to the ballot box, clever and according to plan.
The vote counts, that is clear,
For the next year, for the next year.
❓ Riddle: Who am I?
Ich habe ein Recht, doch trag' keine Krone,
Ich darf entscheiden, oft aus der Ferne oder wohne
Ganz nah am Ort, wo Stimmzettel warten,
Mein Name hängt ab von femininen und maskulinen Arten.
Mal heiß' ich 'der', mal heiß' ich 'die',
Wer bin ich wohl, in dieser Demokratie?
Translation:
I have a right, but wear no crown,
I get to decide, from afar or live in town
Close to the place where ballots await,
My name depends on feminine and masculine traits.
Sometimes I'm 'der', sometimes I'm 'die',
Who am I, in this democracy?
Solution: Der/Die Wahlberechtigte (The eligible voter)
🧩 Word Components: The Origin of Wahlberechtigte
The word "Wahlberechtigte" is composed of:
- Die Wahl: Meaning 'choice', 'selection', here in the sense of a political election or vote.
- berechtigt: Adjective meaning 'entitled', 'authorized', 'having a right'.
Together, the meaning is: A person who is entitled/has the right to vote/choose.
📝 Summary: is it der or die Wahlberechtigte?
Use der Wahlberechtigte for a male person and die Wahlberechtigte for a female person who is eligible to vote. The plural for everyone is die Wahlberechtigten.
