German word

Bürgerinitiative

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbʏʁgɐinit͡si̯aˌtiːvə/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncitizens' initiative

Example

Die Bürgerinitiative protestiert gegen den Neubau.

The citizens' initiative is protesting against the new construction project.

Illustration for Bürgerinitiative (citizens' initiative)

More examples

Viele Helfer unterstützen die Bürgerinitiative bei der Unterschriftensammlung.

Many helpers support the citizens' initiative while collecting signatures.

Core concept

Residents around a local issue form a voluntary group and make their shared position visible in public.

Common phrases

  • eine Bürgerinitiative unterstützen

    support a citizens' initiative

  • Forderungen einer Bürgerinitiative vorbringen

    put forward the demands of a citizens' initiative

  • in einer Bürgerinitiative mitarbeiten

    work in a citizens' initiative

Similar words

Demonstration: People gather in public to voice a protest or demand, often by marching.
Petition: Supporters sign and submit a written or online request for a specific demand.
Bürgerbeteiligung: Citizens share views or take part in government plans and decisions.
Bürgerengagement: Citizens voluntarily give time and effort to help their local community.

Definition in German

Eine Bürgerinitiative ist eine von Anwohnern gebildete, meist ehrenamtliche Gruppe, die sich für ein örtliches Anliegen einsetzt und öffentlich aktiv wird.

Word origin

Bürgerinitiative is a compound of Bürger, meaning citizen, and Initiative, a borrowing ultimately from Latin initium, meaning beginning.

Usage tips

  • Bürgerinitiative is feminine: die Bürgerinitiative, with the plural die Bürgerinitiativen.

Other meanings

  • residents' groupnoun

Related words

  • Bürgerengagementcivic engagementnoun
  • Bürgernäheproximity to citizensnoun
  • Bürgerbeteiligungcitizen participationnoun

Word lists with this word