ethnic group
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ethnic group
A community of people connected by shared characteristics such as language, culture, or origin, and often living as a minority within a state.
In Südtirol lebt eine deutschsprachige Volksgruppe.
A German-speaking ethnic group lives in South Tyrol.
The word is made up of 'das Volk' (the people, nation) and 'die Gruppe' (the group), connected by an 's'. So it literally describes a group that defines itself through its belonging to a particular people or nation.
Die Rechte der Volksgruppen sind in der Verfassung verankert.
The rights of ethnic groups are enshrined in the constitution.
Common adjectives in this context are 'anerkannte' (recognized), 'nationale' (national), 'ethnische' (ethnic), or 'sprachliche' (linguistic) with 'Volksgruppe' (ethnic group). A typical verb phrase is 'einer Volksgruppe angehören' (to belong to an ethnic group).
Die Sorben sind eine anerkannte nationale Volksgruppe in Deutschland.
The Sorbs are a recognized national ethnic group in Germany.
'Volksgruppe' (ethnic group) is a neutral and rather formal term from politics, law, and sociology. It is used especially when discussing the rights and protection of minorities.
Das Gesetz schützt die Kultur und Sprache der ansässigen Volksgruppen.
The law protects the culture and language of the resident ethnic groups.
minority
Minderheit and Volksgruppe can both refer to a smaller community within a state. Minderheit emphasizes its numerical status in relation to the majority, while Volksgruppe emphasizes its shared language, culture, or origin. Use Minderheit for the group’s status and Volksgruppe for its shared identity.
Die Volksgruppe pflegt ihre gemeinsame Sprache und Kultur auch im Alltag.
The ethnic group maintains its shared language and culture in everyday life as well.
Die sprachliche Minderheit ist in dieser Region deutlich kleiner als die Mehrheitsbevölkerung.
The linguistic minority is significantly smaller than the majority population in this region.
