West German / Federal German
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Federal German
Refers to the Federal Republic of Germany, its culture, politics, or population. The term is often used to distinguish it from Austria, Switzerland, or the former GDR.
Nach der Wiedervereinigung mussten sich die ostdeutsche und die bundesdeutsche Gesellschaft aneinander annähern.
After reunification, East German and Federal German society had to grow closer together.
The word is made up of 'Bundes-' (from 'der Bund' — the federation) and 'deutsch' (German). It therefore describes something that belongs to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Die bundesdeutsche Gesetzgebung ist sehr komplex.
Federal German legislation is very complex.
The term 'bundesdeutsch' (Federal German/West German) is used especially often to distinguish the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) before 1990 from the German Democratic Republic (GDR). In this context, it is very precise.
Viele DDR-Bürger sahen im Fernsehen die bundesdeutsche Werbung.
Many GDR citizens watched West German advertising on television.
'Bundesdeutsch' (Federal German/West German) is used like a normal adjective before a noun and is declined accordingly. It is written in lowercase except at the beginning of a sentence.
Er forscht zur bundesdeutschen Nachkriegsgeschichte.
He researches postwar Federal German history.
German
Deutsch is the general term for something associated with Germany. Bundesdeutsch specifically refers to the Federal Republic of Germany and is often used to distinguish it from Austria, Switzerland, or the former GDR. Without such a distinction, deutsch is usually sufficient.
Im Vergleich mit Österreich erklärt der Artikel das bundesdeutsche Wahlsystem.
In comparison with Austria, the article explains the West German electoral system.
Der Artikel erklärt das deutsche Wahlsystem.
The article explains the German electoral system.
