bourgeoisie / citizenry
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bourgeoisie
A social class that historically stood between the nobility and the working class and was characterized by property, education, and a certain lifestyle. Today, the term often refers to the upper middle class.
Das aufstrebende Bürgertum des 19. Jahrhunderts prägte die Kultur und Politik maßgeblich.
The rising bourgeoisie of the 19th century had a major influence on culture and politics.
citizenry
All the citizens of a city or state; the citizen body. This meaning is rarer today and more formal or historical.
Der Bürgermeister rief das gesamte Bürgertum zur Teilnahme an den Feierlichkeiten zum Stadtjubiläum auf.
The mayor called on the entire citizenry to take part in the celebrations for the city's anniversary.
The word ends in '-tum'. This ending forms an abstract or collective noun from a noun (here: der Bürger, the citizen). Words ending in '-tum' are usually neuter (das).
Das Christentum ist eine Weltreligion.
Christianity is a world religion.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In historical, political, or sociological texts, 'Bürgertum' (bourgeoisie) refers to a social class. In official speeches addressed to a city's inhabitants, it means the entire citizenry.
Die industrielle Revolution veränderte das Bürgertum nachhaltig.
The Industrial Revolution changed the bourgeoisie permanently.
In the meaning 'soziale Schicht' (social class), the word is often part of historical or socially critical discussions. It describes a group defined by education and property.
Die Oper war im 19. Jahrhundert ein wichtiger Treffpunkt für das Bürgertum.
In the 19th century, the opera was an important meeting place for the bourgeoisie.
Common combinations are 'das gebildete Bürgertum' (the educated bourgeoisie), 'das aufstrebende Bürgertum' (the rising bourgeoisie), or 'das Großbürgertum' (the haute bourgeoisie), used to describe different parts of this social class.
Viele Künstler und Intellektuelle stammten aus dem gebildeten Bürgertum.
Many artists and intellectuals came from the educated bourgeoisie.
citizenry / parliament
Today, Bürgerschaft refers to the citizens of a city or state as a political community. Bürgertum can mean the same thing in this sense, but sounds more formal or historical. For a current, general context, Bürgerschaft is therefore usually more appropriate.
Historische Berichte zeigen, dass das Bürgertum der Stadt den neuen Park unterstützte.
Historical reports show that the city's citizenry supported the new park.
Die Bürgerschaft der Stadt unterstützte den neuen Park mit großer Mehrheit.
The city's citizens supported the new park by a large majority.
