01
der Wähler
voter
A person who is entitled to cast their vote in a political election and may also do so.
example
Die Politiker versuchen, die unentschlossenen Wähler zu überzeugen.
The politicians are trying to convince undecided voters.
der Wähler
voter
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Der Wähler' (the voter) is derived from the verb 'wählen' (to vote/choose). The ending '-er' here refers to the person who performs the action of voting.
EXAMPLE
Jeder, der wählt, ist ein Wähler.
Everyone who votes is a voter.
Grammar trap
'Wähler' belongs to the N-declension. This means it gets the ending '-n' in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular, as well as throughout the plural. Only in the nominative singular does it remain without '-n'.
EXAMPLE
Die Partei will die Wähler überzeugen.
The party wants to convince the voters.
Typical collocations
In a political context, 'Wähler' is often used with certain adjectives or in fixed phrases, for example 'unentschlossene Wähler' (undecided voters), 'Stammwähler' (core voters), or 'die Gunst der Wähler gewinnen' (to win the voters' favor).
EXAMPLE
Besonders die jungen Wähler sind für die Partei wichtig.
Young voters in particular are important for the party.
Compare with
Wähler vs Nichtwähler
non-voter
'der Wähler' and 'der Nichtwähler' both belong to the topic of political elections. Both words can refer to people who are allowed to vote. The important difference is: A 'Wähler' casts their vote or is viewed as a person who takes part in the election. A 'Nichtwähler' is allowed to vote, but does not use this right. The words can be confused because both have to do with the right to vote. Pay attention to the action: if the person goes to vote, they are a 'Wähler'; if they stay away from the election, they are a 'Nichtwähler'.
Wähler
Viele Wähler informieren sich vor der Wahl über die Programme der Parteien.
Many voters learn about the parties' platforms before the election.
Nichtwähler
Einige Nichtwähler bleiben zu Hause, weil sie keiner Partei vertrauen.
Some non-voters stay home because they do not trust any party.
In real life
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