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.
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.
population
'die Bevölkerung' and 'das Bürgertum' can both refer to a group of people in a city or state. However, 'die Bevölkerung' is the normal word for all the inhabitants of an area. 'das Bürgertum' usually does not mean all people, but a specific social class, often associated with education, property, and a particular lifestyle. In older or more formal language, 'Bürgertum' can also mean the citizens as a whole, but this is less common today. The words can therefore be confusing: 'Bevölkerung' is neutral and broad, while 'Bürgertum' is narrower and has a more historical or social meaning.
Im 19. Jahrhundert spielte das Bürgertum in vielen Städten eine wichtige Rolle.
In the 19th century, the bourgeoisie played an important role in many cities.
Die Bevölkerung der Region wächst seit einigen Jahren langsam.
The population of the region has been growing slowly for several years.