Kapitel 9: Was ist deutsch? - Vocabulary and Core Concepts
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Description and Tags
Vocabulary practice cards focusing on core cultural terms, political parties, school system tiers, environmental terminology, and Austrian/Viennese regional dialect differences from Chapter 9.
49 Terms
die Volkspartei
A broad-based 'people's party' (e.g., CDU/CSU or SPD) that appeals to diverse demographic groups and seeks broad consensus across the electorate.
die Große Koalition
A governing grand coalition formed between Germany's two largest traditional parties, the conservative CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD.
die Christlich-Demokratische Union (CDU) / Christlich-Soziale Union (CSU)
Germany's center-right conservative union, represented by the color black, historically holding Christian-democratic and pro-business values.
die Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD)
Germany's center-left party, represented by the color red, rooted in the 19th-century labor movement and advocating social welfare and workers' rights.
Bündnis 90/Die Grünen
The German Green Party, rooted in the anti-nuclear, environmental, and peace movements of the 1970s, which merged with East German civil rights groups in 1993.
die Freie Demokratische Partei (FDP)
The liberal party, represented by the color yellow, which advocates free-market principles, personal freedom, deregulation, and low taxes.
die Linkspartei (Die Linke)
A left-wing party formed from the merger of the eastern PDS and western WASG, prioritizing social justice, wealth redistribution, and pacifism.
die Piratenpartei
A political party founded in 2006 (symbolized by orange) emphasizing open digital access, weakened copyright restrictions, and defense against state data surveillance.
das Wahlprogramm
Political party platform or election manifesto outlining policy goals.
wählen
To vote or to elect/choose.
die politische Einstellung
Political attitude, orientation, or stance.
politisch engagiert sein
To be politically active, involved, or civically engaged.
die Grundschule
Elementary school; the compulsory initial 4-year school track attended by German children starting at age 6.
die Hauptschule
Secondary school track covering grades 5 through 9 (or 10) that provides basic general education geared toward practical vocational training.
die Realschule
Secondary school track covering grades 5 to 10 offering a blend of academic and practical education, leading to midlevel white-collar and technical careers.
das Gymnasium
Academic secondary school track covering grades 5 to 12 (or 13) that provides rigorous general education qualifying graduates for university study.
die Mittlere Reife
The secondary school leaving certificate earned upon successful completion of grade 10 at a Realschule.
das Abitur
The German university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife) awarded after passing exit examinations at the Gymnasium.
die Gesamtschule
Comprehensive secondary school where students of differing academic levels are taught together under one roof, easing movement between educational tracks.
die duale Berufsausbildung
Dual vocational training system in which apprentices combine paid practical workplace training at a company with classroom study at a vocational school (Berufsschule).
der/die Auszubildende (Azubi)
Apprentice or vocational trainee enrolled in formal job training.
sitzen bleiben
To repeat a grade level in school due to insufficient academic performance.
die Schulpflicht
Compulsory school attendance, which is legally mandated in Germany for at least 9 or 10 years.
die Ehrlichkeit
Honesty; consistently ranked by Germans in surveys as the most critical core personal value.
die Gerechtigkeit
Justice, fairness, or equity.
das Vertrauen
Trust, faith, or confidence in others.
die Hilfsbereitschaft
Helpfulness or readiness to aid others in need.
die Höflichkeit
Politeness, courtesy, or good manners.
der Mut
Courage or bravery (used without a plural form).
die Unabhängigkeit
Independence or self-reliance.
die Verantwortung
Responsibility or accountability.
fleißig sein
To be diligent, hardworking, or industrious.
sparsam
Thrifty, economical, or frugal with resources.
sich anpassen
To adapt, assimilate, or fit in with social surroundings.
die Mülltrennung
Household waste sorting into specified categories: paper (Altpapier), organic (Biomüll), glass, lightweight packaging (Gelber Sack), and residual waste (Restmüll).
das Umweltbewusstsein
Environmental awareness or ecological consciousness.
der Umweltmuffel
An uncooperative or indifferent person who shows no concern for environmental protection or recycling.
der Strom
Electricity or electrical power (used without a plural form).
das Abgas
Exhaust fume or vehicle emission (predominantly used in the plural: die Abgase).
Energie sparen
To conserve energy (e.g., turning off electronics, moderating heat, or using public transport).
die erneuerbaren Energien
Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
Infinitivsatz: „um … zu + Infinitiv“
Infinitive construction expressing intention or purpose ('in order to'); requires identical subjects in both clauses and places the infinitive preceded by zu at the end.
Satzstellung: „Um … zu“-Satz an Position 1
When the entire 'um … zu' infinitive clause starts the sentence (Position 1), the conjugated verb of the main clause must follow immediately after the comma (Position 2).
Beispiel: Politisches Ziel mit „um … zu“
Um einen Krieg zu vermeiden, müssen Politiker verhandeln. ('In order to avoid a war, politicians must negotiate.')
Subordinierende Konjunktionen (Wortstellung)
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause and send the conjugated verb to the very end of that clause.
obwohl (Kontext: Umwelt)
Subordinating conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though' (e.g., Obwohl es kalt ist, mache ich die Heizung aus.).
weil (Kontext: Umwelt)
Subordinating conjunction meaning 'because' (e.g., Ich fahre mit dem Rad, weil ich weniger Benzin verbrauchen will.).
solange (Kontext: Energie)
Subordinating conjunction meaning 'as long as' (e.g., Solange wir alle Lichter anlassen, verschwenden wir unnötig Strom.).
ohne dass (Kontext: Energie)
Subordinating conjunction meaning 'without' when the subjects of the two clauses differ (e.g., Wir kühlen den Raum, ohne dass die Klimaanlage läuft.).