A political party that is represented in parliament but is not part of the government and takes a critical stance toward it.
example
Die größte Oppositionspartei forderte den Rücktritt des Ministers.
The largest opposition party demanded the minister's resignation.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of three parts: 'die Opposition' (the opposition), the linking '-s-', and 'die Partei' (the party). So it literally describes a party that belongs to the opposition.
EXAMPLE
Die stärkste Oppositionspartei hat die Regierung scharf kritisiert.
The strongest opposition party sharply criticized the government.
Typical verbs
An 'Oppositionspartei' (opposition party) is often the subject of verbs that express a critical political action. Common verbs are 'kritisieren' (to criticize), 'fordern' (to demand), 'ablehnen' (to reject), and 'vorschlagen' (to propose).
EXAMPLE
Die Oppositionsparteien fordern eine sofortige Debatte über das Thema.
The opposition parties are demanding an immediate debate on the issue.
Contrast with government
The word is almost always used in direct contrast to 'die Regierung' (the government) or 'die Regierungsparteien' (the governing parties). Its role is defined by the fact that it is not involved in holding power.
EXAMPLE
Während die Regierung das Gesetz verteidigte, lehnte die Oppositionspartei es strikt ab.
While the government defended the law, the opposition party strictly rejected it.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Oppositionspartei vs Opposition
opposition
'die Opposition' and 'die Oppositionspartei' both belong to the political sphere. 'die Opposition' usually means all the parties in parliament that are not governing. 'die Oppositionspartei' means one individual party from that group. The words can be confused because an opposition party is part of the opposition. If you are talking about the whole group, use 'Opposition'. If you mean a specific party, 'Oppositionspartei' is more precise.
Oppositionspartei
Die Oppositionspartei stellt im Parlament viele Fragen zum neuen Gesetz.
The opposition party asks many questions about the new law in parliament.
Opposition
Am Abend fordert die Opposition eine schnelle Antwort der Regierung.
In the evening, the opposition demands a quick response from the government.