christian democratic party: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Political, Academic
Quick answer
What does “christian democratic party” mean?
A political party, typically centre-right, based on Christian social principles, advocating social market economy, human dignity, subsidiarity, and traditional values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A political party, typically centre-right, based on Christian social principles, advocating social market economy, human dignity, subsidiarity, and traditional values.
A political organization active in many European and Latin American countries, often historically pivotal in post-war centrist coalitions, combining conservative social values with support for a welfare state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British political discourse, the term refers almost exclusively to parties in other countries (e.g., Germany, Italy). In American usage, it is purely a descriptive term for foreign political movements, as no major U.S. party uses this label.
Connotations
In the UK/EU context, it connotes mainstream, often governing, moderate conservatism. In the US, it may be perceived as a somewhat foreign, European model of politics blending religion and state.
Frequency
Much more frequent in international news and political science texts than in everyday conversation in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “christian democratic party” in a Sentence
[Party Name] + is a Christian Democratic Party.The Christian Democratic Party + won/lost/formed a coalition.He/She + voted for/supports/joined + the Christian Democratic Party.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “christian democratic party” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The movement sought to christian-democratise the conservative agenda.
- He christian-democratised his policy proposals.
American English
- The faction attempted to Christian Democratize the party's platform.
adverb
British English
- The policy was conceived christian-democratically.
American English
- They voted consistently Christian Democratically.
adjective
British English
- His christian-democratic leanings were well known.
- A christian-democratic approach to welfare.
American English
- She held Christian Democratic views on social issues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The Christian Democratic Party's stable economic policies are favored by investors.
Academic
The post-war consensus in Western Europe was largely shaped by Christian Democratic parties.
Everyday
My grandparents always voted for the Christian Democratic Party.
Technical
The party's platform emphasizes the principle of subsidiarity derived from Catholic social teaching.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “christian democratic party”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “christian democratic party”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “christian democratic party”
- Incorrectly lowercasing ('christian democratic party').
- Confusing it with the 'Democratic Party' in the USA.
- Using it as a plural without context ('Christian Democratics').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While founded on Christian social principles, most major Christian Democratic parties in Europe are not confessional or exclusively religious; they are secular in operation and seek votes from the general public.
Christian Democratic parties typically place stronger emphasis on social welfare, solidarity, and community (inspired by social teaching) compared to more classically liberal or individualistic conservative parties.
As of the early 2020s, Friedrich Merz (Germany's CDU) is a prominent example. Specific leaders change with elections.
No, the UK does not have a major party explicitly labeled as such. Elements of Christian Democratic thought are found within both the Conservative and Labour parties, but no standalone party of this name holds significant power.
A political party, typically centre-right, based on Christian social principles, advocating social market economy, human dignity, subsidiarity, and traditional values.
Christian democratic party is usually formal, political, academic in register.
Christian democratic party: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪs.tʃən ˌdem.ə.kræt.ɪk ˈpɑː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪs.tʃən ˌdem.ə.kræt̬.ɪk ˈpɑːr.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The CDU is the grand old party of German politics.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Christian values + Democratic process = Christian Democratic Party.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS AS A MORAL COMPASS (The party provides ethical direction for society).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is a Christian Democratic Party NOT traditionally a major governing force?