Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Politik | /poliˈtiːk/ /poliˈtɪk/ |
feminine |
| Handlungsgrundsatz | masculine | |
| Verfahrensweise | feminine | |
| Richtlinie | /ˈʁɪçtˌliːni̯ə/ | feminine |
The translation you choose depends on whether you are discussing a guiding principle, a specific set of rules or a procedural way of doing things.
Which one should you use?
While Politik can mean 'policy' in certain contexts, it is the standard word for 'politics' (the field of government and power). Use Richtlinie when referring to a specific set of rules or a formal policy issued by an organization or authority, as it translates to guideline or directive. If the 'policy' refers specifically to a standard way of doing things or a particular procedure, use Verfahrensweise. For an abstract or philosophical meaning where 'policy' refers to a fundamental principle or a guiding rule for behavior, use Handlungsgrundsatz.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Politik is feminine, so it takes the feminine articles die or eine.
How do you pronounce it?
/poliˈtiːk/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'policy' for an insurance contract, German uses Police for that specific meaning, which looks like the English word but is pronounced differently.
- The word Politik in German is a loanword from the French politique, which itself traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek word for 'city-state', pólis.
- The word Verfahrensweise is derived from 'fahren', which means 'to drive' or 'to travel'.
Examples in context
- Bist du für oder gegen diese Politik?Are you in favor of or against that policy?This sentence is useful for asking if someone supports or opposes a specific Politik.Tatoeba #2343811 by Zaghawa, translation #16578 by CK
- Sind Sie für oder gegen diese Politik?Are you in favour of that policy or against it?Tatoeba #2343814 by Zaghawa, translation #10694510 by sundown
- Diese Politik ist in keiner Weise ehrlich.This policy is in no way honest.This sentence is useful for describing a Politik that is not honest.Tatoeba #1122809 by Hans_Adler, translation #10505976 by sundown
- Die Politik der Regierung ist gut für das LandThe policy of the government is beneficial for the country
- Die Datenschutzrichtlinie ist strengThe data protection policy is strict
- Die Parkplatzregelung hier ist wirklich seltsamThe parking policy here is really strange
- Unsere Vorgehensweise gegen Lärmbelästigung sollte strenger seinOur approach to noise pollution should be stricter
- Die Umweltpolitik in Deutschland ist bemerkenswertThe environmental policy in Germany is remarkable
- Das Unternehmen hat eine neue Richtlinie für Mitarbeiterreisen eingeführtThe company has introduced a new policy for employee travel
- Ich bin mit dieser Regelung nicht einverstandenI disagree with this policy
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing their company's new rules.
- SarahHast du die neue Politik im Büro gelesen?Have you read the new policy in the office?
- FelixJa, aber ich finde diese Politik zu streng.Yes, but I find this policy too strict.
- SarahWarum denkst du das, Felix?Why do you think that, Felix?
- FelixDie Politik schränkt uns zu sehr ein.The policy restricts us too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “policy” translations and entries Politik, Richtlinie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Politik, Richtlinie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
