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' and 'bundesdeutsch' can both describe something from Germany. 'deutsch' is the normal, general word for the language, culture, people, or things from Germany. 'bundesdeutsch' is more specific and refers to the Federal Republic of Germany. It is often used to distinguish Germany from Austria, Switzerland, or, historically, from the GDR. The words can be confused because they seem similar in many situations. In everyday life, however, 'deutsch' usually sounds more natural; 'bundesdeutsch' fits better in politics, history, the media, or precise comparisons.
Im Artikel wird zwischen österreichischem und bundesdeutschem Recht unterschieden.
The article distinguishes between Austrian law and Federal German law.
In der Schule liest ihr heute einen deutschen Text.
At school, you are reading a German text today.