die Minderheit
minority
The smaller part of a group or whole; less than half (50%).
EXAMPLE
Nur eine kleine Minderheit der Schüler war gegen den Ausflug.
Only a small minority of the students were against the trip.
die Minderheit
minority
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Meanings
die Minderheit
minority
A group of people within a society that differs from the majority population through characteristics such as ethnicity, language, religion, or culture.
EXAMPLE
Das Gesetz soll die Rechte von sprachlichen Minderheiten schützen.
The law is intended to protect the rights of linguistic minorities.
Usage tips
Word formation
The word 'Minderheit' (minority) consists of the stem 'minder' (an old form meaning 'less') and the ending '-heit', which forms abstract nouns. So it describes the state of being fewer or smaller.
EXAMPLE
Die Befürworter des Projekts waren deutlich in der Minderheit.
The supporters of the project were clearly in the minority.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'in der Minderheit sein' (to be in the minority) is a very common fixed expression. It means that a group is numerically outnumbered.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Abstimmung waren wir leider in der Minderheit.
In the vote, we were unfortunately in the minority.
Use with 'von'
To specify who makes up the minority, the preposition 'von' is often used followed by a plural noun. For example: 'eine Minderheit von Experten' (a minority of experts).
EXAMPLE
Eine Minderheit von den Befragten war mit dem Vorschlag nicht einverstanden.
A minority of the respondents did not agree with the proposal.
Typical collocations
In a sociological context, 'Minderheit' (minority) is often combined with adjectives that describe the group more precisely. Typical examples are 'ethnische' (ethnic), 'religiöse' (religious), 'sprachliche' (linguistic), or 'nationale' (national) minorities.
EXAMPLE
In dieser Region lebt eine anerkannte sprachliche Minderheit.
A recognized linguistic minority lives in this region.
Compare with
Minderheit vs Unterzahl
minority
Minderheit and Unterzahl both mean that one group is smaller in number. Minderheit usually describes the smaller part of a group, while Unterzahl refers to a specific numerical disadvantage compared with an opposing group. Use Unterzahl especially in a game or conflict.
Minderheit
Bei der Abstimmung waren die Befürworter des Vorschlags in der Minderheit.
The supporters of the proposal were in the minority in the vote.
Unterzahl
Unsere Mannschaft spielte wegen zweier Verletzungen lange in Unterzahl.
Our team played short-handed for a long time because of two injuries.
In real life
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