der Linke
leftist
A person who is politically left-wing or supports left-wing political goals and views.
EXAMPLE
Als Linker setzt er sich für höhere Steuern auf große Vermögen ein.
As a leftist, he advocates higher taxes on large fortunes.
der Linke
leftist
die Linke, die Linken
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Linke, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Linken |
| genitive | der Linken |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Linke | die Linken |
| accusative | die Linke | die Linken |
| dative | der Linken | den Linken |
| genitive | der Linken | der Linken |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Substantivized adjective
'Der Linke' (the leftist) or 'die Linke' (the leftist) is a substantivized adjective and is therefore capitalized. It is declined like an adjective: 'der Linke' (the leftist), but 'ein Linker' (a leftist); in the plural, 'die Linken' (the leftists).
EXAMPLE
Er war schon als Student ein überzeugter Linker.
He was already a committed leftist as a student.
Die Linken im Parlament stimmten gegen das Gesetz.
The leftists in parliament voted against the law.
Political context
The political meaning is usually clear from words related to politics and society, such as parliament, party, government, or social justice. 'Der Linke' (the leftist) or 'die Linke' (the leftist) then refers to a person with a particular political stance.
EXAMPLE
Der Linke im Stadtrat setzte sich für bezahlbare Wohnungen ein.
The leftist on the city council advocated affordable housing.
In real life
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