gewählt
elected
Describes a person or thing that has been chosen for an office or function through a vote or election.
EXAMPLE
Der neu gewählte Bürgermeister wird nächste Woche sein Amt antreten.
The newly elected mayor will take office next week.
gewählt
elected / refined
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Meanings
gewählt
refined
Describes a way of speaking, language, or behavior that is very polished, cultivated, and formal.
EXAMPLE
Er benutzte eine sehr gewählte Sprache, um seine Argumente vorzutragen.
He used very refined language to present his arguments.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Gewählt' is the past participle of the verb 'wählen' (to choose / to vote). It is used as an adjective, and its meanings derive from 'wählen' in the sense of 'aussuchen' (to choose) or 'per Abstimmung bestimmen' (to determine by vote).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihre Worte mit Bedacht gewählt.
She chose her words carefully.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: If 'gewählt' refers to a person in office (e.g., president, representative), it means 'chosen by election'. If it refers to language, words, or behavior, it means 'cultivated' or 'polished'.
EXAMPLE
Der gewählte Vertreter sprach mit dem Volk.
The elected representative spoke to the people.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'cultivated', 'gewählt' (refined) is often combined with nouns that describe communication or behavior. Typical phrases are 'gewählte Sprache' (refined language), 'gewählte Worte' (carefully chosen/refined words), or 'gewählte Ausdrucksweise' (refined way of expressing oneself).
EXAMPLE
Für das offizielle Dokument ist eine gewählte Ausdrucksweise erforderlich.
A refined style of expression is required for the official document.
Register
The meaning 'kultiviert' (cultivated) or 'gepflegt' (polished) belongs to a rather formal and educated style of language. In this context, the word itself already sounds 'gewählt' (refined).
EXAMPLE
Seine Rede war von einer gewählten Wortwahl geprägt.
His speech was characterized by a refined choice of words.
Compare with
gewählt vs ausgewählt
selected
Gewählt and ausgewählt can both describe a particularly polished way of speaking. Gewählt is the usual term for cultivated, formal language; ausgewählt highlights a particularly refined or deliberately chosen effect. For general style, gewählt is usually the more natural choice.
gewählt
Die Rednerin drückte ihre Kritik in gewählten Worten aus.
The speaker expressed her criticism in refined language.
ausgewählt
Die Rednerin begrüßte die Gäste mit ausgewählten Worten.
The speaker welcomed the guests with carefully chosen words.
In real life
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