coalition partner
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coalition partner
A political party that forms a governing coalition together with one or more other parties in order to achieve a parliamentary majority.
Nach der Wahl verhandelte die stärkste Partei mit zwei möglichen Koalitionspartnern.
After the election, the strongest party negotiated with two possible coalition partners.
The word is made up of 'Koalition' (coalition) and 'Partner' (partner). The 's' between them is a linking s that connects the two parts. The meaning is literal: a partner in a political coalition.
Die Grünen gelten als möglicher Koalitionspartner für die nächste Regierung.
The Greens are considered a possible coalition partner for the next government.
In a political context, this word is often used with verbs such as 'verhandeln' (to negotiate), 'suchen' (to look for), or 'finden' (to find). People also speak of a 'Wunsch-Koalitionspartner' (preferred coalition partner) or the 'bisherigen Koalitionspartner' (previous coalition partner).
Die Partei verhandelt intensiv mit ihrem bevorzugten Koalitionspartner.
The party is negotiating intensively with its preferred coalition partner.
This word comes from specialized political language, but due to media coverage it is very widespread and understood by most people.
In den Nachrichten wurde über die schwierige Suche nach einem Koalitionspartner berichtet.
The news reported on the difficult search for a coalition partner.
governing party
'der Koalitionspartner' and 'die Regierungspartei' can both refer to a party that is involved in the government. The difference is the perspective. A 'Regierungspartei' is any party that is currently governing, either alone or together with others. A 'Koalitionspartner' is a party that forms a government together with another party. So the word emphasizes cooperation within a coalition. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Koalitionspartner' is usually also a 'Regierungspartei'. But a 'Regierungspartei' does not always have to be a 'Koalitionspartner' if it governs alone.
Der Koalitionspartner fordert mehr Geld für Schulen.
The coalition partner is demanding more money for schools.
Nach der Wahl bleibt die Partei wahrscheinlich eine Regierungspartei.
After the election, the party will probably remain a governing party.