left
die Linke, die Linken
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the political left
The political forces or parties on the left that generally advocate social equality, redistribution, and social change.
Die Linke im Parlament stimmte geschlossen gegen den Vorschlag.
The left in parliament voted unanimously against the proposal.
the left side
The left side or direction in relation to a person, object, or space.
Zu ihrer Linken saß ein junger Mann, der die ganze Zeit telefonierte.
To her left sat a young man who was on the phone the entire time.
the left hand
The left hand, especially in the fixed expression „mit der Linken“ (with the left hand).
Mit der Linken hielt sie den Schirm und mit der Rechten die Tasche.
She held the umbrella with her left hand and the bag with her right.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Linken |
| genitive | der Linken |
| 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.
„Die Linke“ (the left) is a substantivized adjective: The word „linke“ (left) is used like a noun and is therefore capitalized. Its form changes depending on its function in the sentence, for example in „zur Linken“ (to the left) or „mit der Linken“ (with the left hand).
Er trug den schweren Koffer in der Linken.
He carried the heavy suitcase in his left hand.
The counterpart to „die Linke“ (the left) is „die Rechte“ (the right). Both words are formed in the same way and are often used together when comparing hands, sides, or political camps.
Im Streit zwischen der Linken und der Rechten ging es vor allem um Steuern.
The dispute between the left and the right was mainly about taxes.
The meaning referring to a political direction can often be recognized from general phrases such as „die Linke im Parlament“ (the left in parliament) or „Parteien der Linken“ (parties of the left). In this usage, the word refers to political forces as a whole rather than to a single party.
In vielen Ländern Europas hat die Linke bei den letzten Wahlen Stimmen verloren.
In many European countries, the left lost votes in the last elections.
For the spatial meaning, „die Linke“ (the left) is often used in the fixed expression „zur Linken“ (to the left). This is often followed by a place indication in the genitive, which names the reference point.
Zur Linken des Museums liegt ein ruhiger Innenhof.
To the left of the museum is a quiet courtyard.
For the meaning referring to the hand, „die Linke“ (the left hand) is especially often used with „mit“ (with). The expression „mit der Linken“ (with the left hand) describes which hand someone uses.
Sie schrieb den kurzen Vermerk mit der Linken.
She wrote the brief note with her left hand.
