01
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
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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 Mehrheit
majority
'die Mehrheit' and 'die Minderheit' are opposites when you compare parts of a group. 'Mehrheit' is the larger part, meaning more than half. 'Minderheit' is the smaller part, meaning less than half. Both words are often used with votes, opinions, or groups. What matters is the reference to a whole group: you always ask, majority or minority of what?
Minderheit
Nur eine Minderheit wollte den Termin auf den Abend verschieben.
Only a minority wanted to move the appointment to the evening.
Mehrheit
Bei der Abstimmung war die Mehrheit für den Ausflug ans Meer.
In the vote, the majority was in favor of the trip to the sea.
In real life
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