major party
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major party
A large political party that aims to appeal to voters from all social classes and groups of the population, rather than representing only the interests of one specific group.
Die CDU und die SPD gelten in Deutschland traditionell als Volksparteien.
The CDU and the SPD are traditionally considered major parties in Germany.
The word is composed of 'das Volk' (the people) and 'die Partei' (the party). The 's' in between is a linking element that connects the two words. Literally, then, it is a 'party of the people.'
Eine Volkspartei versucht, viele verschiedene Wählergruppen anzusprechen.
A major party tries to appeal to many different groups of voters.
This term is especially common in political reporting and discussion. It describes a large, established party that represents not just a small interest group, but broad sections of society.
Der Begriff „Volkspartei“ wird in den Nachrichten oft diskutiert.
The term 'Volkspartei' (major party) is often discussed in the news.
In political discourse, the term is often used in fixed phrases, for example 'als Volkspartei gelten' (to be considered a major party) or 'den Status als Volkspartei verlieren' (to lose one's status as a major party).
Bei der letzten Wahl hat die Partei ihren Status als Volkspartei verloren.
In the last election, the party lost its status as a major party.
established party
'Volkspartei' and 'Altpartei' both refer to political parties, but they evaluate those parties very differently. A 'Volkspartei' is a major party that wants to reach many different groups in the population. The word is rather neutral. 'Altpartei', by contrast, refers to established parties that have been part of the political system for a long time. This word often sounds derogatory and is frequently used by new or opposition groups. The words can be confused because major parties are often also old, established parties. Even so, 'Volkspartei' mainly describes the broad target group, while 'Altpartei' criticizes the party's long-standing political position.
Die Volkspartei versucht, Wähler aus der Stadt und vom Land anzusprechen.
The major party tries to appeal to voters from both the city and the countryside.
Im Wahlkampf sprach der neue Kandidat oft kritisch über die Altparteien.
During the election campaign, the new candidate often spoke critically about the established parties.