citizenry / parliament
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citizenry
All the citizens of a city or state, understood as a political community.
Die gesamte Bürgerschaft war aufgerufen, sich an der Säuberungsaktion im Park zu beteiligen.
The entire citizenry was called upon to take part in the cleanup campaign in the park.
The word is made up of 'Bürger' (citizen) and the suffix '-schaft' (-ship). The ending '-schaft' denotes a community or totality, so here it means the totality of the citizens.
Die Freundschaft zwischen den beiden Städten wurde gefeiert.
The friendship between the two cities was celebrated.
In the meaning 'Gesamtheit der Bürger' (all citizens), 'Bürgerschaft' (citizenry) is a rather formal and official term. It is often found in political speeches, newspaper articles, or official texts.
Der Oberbürgermeister dankte der Bürgerschaft für ihr Engagement.
The mayor thanked the citizenry for their commitment.
The meaning 'Parlament' (parliament) is specific to the cities of Hamburg and Bremen. When 'Hamburger Bürgerschaft' (Hamburg Parliament) or 'Bremer Bürgerschaft' (Bremen Parliament) is mentioned in a political context, it always refers to the state parliament.
Die Bremer Bürgerschaft tagt heute im Rathaus.
The Bremen Parliament is meeting in the town hall today.
population
'die Bevölkerung' and 'die Bürgerschaft' can both mean the people in a city or state. 'die Bevölkerung' is neutral and simply describes all the inhabitants of an area. This can also include people who do not have citizenship rights. 'die Bürgerschaft' sounds more political and means the citizens as a community involved in a city or state. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to groups of people. As a practical rule: for numbers, place of residence, and general descriptions, you usually use 'Bevölkerung'. For political participation or the community of citizens, 'Bürgerschaft' fits better.
Die Bürgerschaft diskutiert, wie die Innenstadt sicherer werden kann.
The citizenry is discussing how the city center can be made safer.
Nach dem Sturm brauchte die Bevölkerung in der Region schnell Hilfe.
After the storm, the population in the region quickly needed help.