demokratisch
democratic
Based on the principles of democracy, in which power comes from the people and decisions are made by majority vote.
EXAMPLE
Deutschland ist ein demokratischer Rechtsstaat.
Germany is a democratic constitutional state.
demokratisch
democratic
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Meanings
demokratisch
democratic
Behavior or an approach characterized by equal rights and participation by everyone involved.
EXAMPLE
In unserer Familie werden wichtige Entscheidungen immer ganz demokratisch abgestimmt.
In our family, important decisions are always voted on very democratically.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'demokratisch' (democratic) is derived directly from the noun 'die Demokratie' (democracy). The ending '-isch' is a typical way to form adjectives from nouns.
EXAMPLE
Die Demokratie ist eine wichtige Säule unserer Gesellschaft.
Democracy is an important pillar of our society.
Adverbial use
'Demokratisch' (democratic/democratically) can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. In this case, the adjective is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben demokratisch darüber abgestimmt, wohin wir in den Urlaub fahren.
We voted democratically on where we should go on vacation.
Typical collocations
In a political context, 'demokratisch' (democratic) is often combined with certain nouns. Common combinations are: 'eine demokratische Wahl' (a democratic election), 'ein demokratischer Staat' (a democratic state), or 'demokratische Grundwerte' (democratic fundamental values).
EXAMPLE
Alle Bürger hoffen auf freie und demokratische Wahlen.
All citizens hope for free and democratic elections.
Context clue
You can recognize this more colloquial meaning from the fact that it is about behavior in small groups, for example in the family, among friends, or in a team.
EXAMPLE
Die Lehrerin ließ die Schüler ganz demokratisch über das nächste Projektthema entscheiden.
The teacher let the students decide on the next project topic completely democratically.
Compare with
demokratisch vs liberal
liberal
Demokratisch and liberal can describe political attitudes. Demokratisch emphasizes that the population or all those involved have a say in decision-making. Liberal primarily emphasizes individual freedom and as little government intervention as possible. An attitude can be both democratic and liberal at the same time.
demokratisch
Die Partei fordert demokratische Entscheidungen mit starker Beteiligung der Bevölkerung.
The party calls for democratic decisions with strong public participation.
liberal
Die Partei fordert liberale Regeln mit möglichst viel Freiheit für den Einzelnen.
The party calls for liberal rules that give individuals as much freedom as possible.
In real life
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