die
Weltgesundheitsorganisation
🌐 What is *die Weltgesundheitsorganisation*?
Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation is the German name for the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its goal is the promotion of public health at an international level.
It is a proper noun for a specific organization. The German name is a direct translation of the English name.
The article is always die because Organisation is a feminine noun in German.
📜 Grammar Check: *Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation*
The word Weltgesundheitsorganisation is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always die.
It is usually only used in the singular, as it is the proper name of a single organization.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Weltgesundheitsorganisation |
| Genitive | der | Weltgesundheitsorganisation |
| Dative | der | Weltgesundheitsorganisation |
| Accusative | die | Weltgesundheitsorganisation |
🚨 A plural ('die Weltgesundheitsorganisationen') is grammatically possible but practically unused, as there is only one WHO.
Example Sentences
- Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation hat neue Richtlinien veröffentlicht. (The World Health Organization has published new guidelines.)
- Die Empfehlungen der Weltgesundheitsorganisation werden weltweit beachtet. (The recommendations of the World Health Organization are observed worldwide.)
- Viele Länder arbeiten eng mit der Weltgesundheitsorganisation zusammen. (Many countries work closely with the World Health Organization.)
- Man informiert sich über die Weltgesundheitsorganisation auf ihrer offiziellen Webseite. (One informs oneself about the World Health Organization on its official website.)
🌍 In Context: Using *die Weltgesundheitsorganisation*
The term die Weltgesundheitsorganisation is mainly used in formal contexts, such as:
- In news reports about global health issues, pandemics, or disease control.
- In political discussions about international cooperation in healthcare.
- In scientific publications and reports on public health.
- In official documents from governments and international bodies.
In everyday language, including media usage, the abbreviation WHO (pronounced in German as [ˌveːhaːˈoː], similar to the English letters) is very common.
Example: "Die WHO warnt vor einer neuen Virusvariante." (The WHO warns of a new virus variant.) is more common than using the full German name.
🧠 Memory Aids for *'die Weltgesundheitsorganisation'*
Article Mnemonic: Words ending in -ion in German are almost always feminine. Think of: die Organisation. So, it's die Weltgesundheitsorganisation.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Welt (world) + Gesundheit (health) + Organisation (organization). It's an Organisation that cares for the Gesundheit of the whole Welt.
🔄 Similar & Different: Synonyms and More
Synonyms
- WHO (Very common abbreviation)
- Weltgesundheitsbehörde (literally 'World Health Authority', less common)
Antonyms / Contrasting Concepts
There are no direct antonyms. However, one could consider national or regional health authorities as counterparts at a different level:
- National health ministries (e.g., das Bundesgesundheitsministerium in Germany)
- Regional health offices (e.g., Gesundheitsämter)
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse it with other international organizations like UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) or the Red Cross/Red Crescent, although they may also be active in the health sector.
😄 A Little Chuckle
Ein Reporter fragt den Generaldirektor der WHO: "Was ist Ihr größter Wunsch für die Weltgesundheit?" Antwortet der Direktor: "Dass ich arbeitslos werde!"
Translation: A reporter asks the Director-General of the WHO: "What is your greatest wish for world health?" The Director replies: "That I become unemployed!"
🎤 A Poem for Health
Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation wacht,
hat über globale Leiden nachgedacht.
Von Genf aus gehen die Weisungen aus,
für Viren und Keime, ein stetiger Graus.
Sie forscht, sie warnt, sie hilft vor Ort,
ein wichtiger globaler Hort.
Translation: The World Health Organization watches,
has thought about global suffering.
From Geneva, the directives go out,
for viruses and germs, a constant dread.
It researches, it warns, it helps on site,
an important global refuge/stronghold.
❓ Who or What am I?
Ich habe meinen Sitz in der Schweiz, doch mein Blick geht um die Welt.
Ich kämpfe gegen Krankheit, was oft nicht leicht gefällt.
Mein Name ist lang, drei Wörter im Bund,
ich sorge dafür, dass die Menschheit bleibt gesund.
Mein Kürzel kennt jeder, es ist kurz und fein,
doch mein voller Name, der muss weiblich sein.
Wer bin ich?
Translation:
I have my seat in Switzerland, but my gaze spans the world.
I fight against disease, which is often not easy.
My name is long, three words combined,
I ensure that humanity stays healthy.
Everyone knows my abbreviation, it's short and neat,
but my full name must be feminine.
Who am I?
Answer: Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (The World Health Organization)
💡 Extra Knowledge about *die Weltgesundheitsorganisation*
- Founded: April 7, 1948. This day is celebrated annually as World Health Day.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Word Composition: The word is a compound noun made of three nouns: die Welt (the world) + die Gesundheit (the health) + die Organisation (the organization). Such long compound nouns are typical for German.
- Most Famous Success: The eradication of smallpox, officially declared by the WHO in 1980.
📝 Summary: Is it der, die or das Weltgesundheitsorganisation?
The correct article for Weltgesundheitsorganisation is die. It is a feminine noun (because of -organisation) and the proper name of a specific international organization (WHO).