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die Koalition
coalition
An alliance of two or more political parties that join together to form a government.
example
Die beiden größten Parteien bildeten eine große Koalition.
The two largest parties formed a grand coalition.
die Koalition
coalition
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register: formal language
The word 'Koalition' (coalition) belongs to formal language and is mainly used in politics, the news, and official reports.
EXAMPLE
In den Nachrichten wurde über die neue Koalition berichtet.
The news reported on the new coalition.
Typical verbs
In a political context, 'Koalition' (coalition) is often combined with certain verbs. Parties can 'bilden' (form), 'eingehen' (enter into), or 'schmieden' (forge) a coalition. A coalition can also 'zerbrechen' (break apart/collapse).
EXAMPLE
Nach wochenlangen Verhandlungen konnten die Parteien endlich eine Koalition bilden.
After weeks of negotiations, the parties were finally able to form a coalition.
Sentence structure with prepositions
To name the partners in the alliance, you usually use the prepositions 'aus' (made up of/from) or 'zwischen' (between). For example, 'eine Koalition aus drei Parteien' (a coalition of three parties) or 'eine Koalition zwischen CDU und SPD' (a coalition between the CDU and SPD).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung besteht aus einer Koalition aus drei verschiedenen Parteien.
The government consists of a coalition of three different parties.
Compare with
Koalition vs Regierung
government
'die Regierung' and 'die Koalition' can be closely connected in politics. 'Die Koalition' is an alliance of parties that want to form a government together, or that do form one. 'Die Regierung' is then the political leadership itself. The words can be confused because in many countries several parties govern together. So a coalition is not automatically the whole government, but the alliance of parties behind it.
Koalition
Nach langen Gesprächen einigen sich drei Parteien auf eine Koalition.
After long talks, three parties agree on a coalition.
Regierung
Die Regierung stellt im Fernsehen ihren neuen Plan vor.
The government presents its new plan on television.
In real life
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