politisch
political
Relates to politics, the state, the government, or public affairs.
EXAMPLE
Die politische Lage im Land ist derzeit sehr angespannt.
The political situation in the country is currently very tense.
politisch
political
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Meanings
politisch
political
Describes a person who is interested in politics, is politically active, or has a clear political opinion.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist ein sehr politischer Mensch und geht zu jeder Demonstration.
She is a very political person and goes to every demonstration.
politisch
political
Describes a decision or action that is strategically or tactically motivated, often in order to find a compromise or avoid upsetting anyone, rather than being based purely on factual reasons.
EXAMPLE
Die Beförderung war eine rein politische Entscheidung, um die Abteilung zufriedenzustellen.
The promotion was a purely political decision to satisfy the department.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'politisch' (political) is derived directly from the noun 'die Politik' (politics). The ending '-isch' is a typical ending used to form an adjective from a noun.
EXAMPLE
Viele Jugendliche interessieren sich heute wieder mehr für Politik.
Many young people today are becoming more interested in politics again.
Typical collocations
When referring to the state or public affairs, 'politisch' (political) is often combined with nouns such as 'Partei' (party), 'System' (system), 'Debatte' (debate), 'Entscheidung' (decision), or 'Lage' (situation).
EXAMPLE
Jede politische Partei hat ein eigenes Programm.
Every political party has its own program.
Describing people
When 'politisch' (political) describes a person, it means that the person is interested in politics or is politically active. Typical phrases are 'ein politischer Mensch sein' (to be a political person) or 'politisch aktiv sein' (to be politically active).
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel ist ein sehr politischer Mensch und diskutiert gern über aktuelle Themen.
My uncle is a very political person and likes discussing current issues.
Context clue
The meaning 'strategically motivated' can often be recognized by signal words such as 'rein' (purely) or 'eher' (rather). In this context, the political decision is often contrasted with a factual or professional justification.
EXAMPLE
Die Wahl des neuen Standorts war eine rein politische Entscheidung.
The choice of the new location was a purely political decision.
Compare with
politisch vs staatlich
state / public
For a measure, both „politisch“ and „staatlich“ can be appropriate. „Staatlich“ identifies the state as the responsible or controlling body; „politisch“ emphasizes a connection to political goals, decisions, or conflicts. Choose the word according to the aspect you want to emphasize.
politisch
Die politische Maßnahme der Regierung soll helfen, ihr Klimaziel schneller zu erreichen.
The government's political measure is intended to help it achieve its climate target more quickly.
staatlich
Die staatliche Maßnahme wird von einer Bundesbehörde finanziert und umgesetzt.
The state measure is funded and implemented by a federal agency.
In real life
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