Grüne

Grüne is a term connected with green politics in German-speaking regions and can refer to political groups or to the color green itself. In everyday language, grüne is the feminine or neuter inflected form of the adjective grün (green), used to describe nouns such as eine grüne Pflanze or grüne Energie. In political contexts, capitalized Grüne or Die Grünen denotes the green political parties active in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Each country maintains its own party organization, with shared roots in environmentalism, pacifism, and social reform.

The green political movement emerged in the late 20th century from environmental and anti-nuclear activism, expanding into electoral politics and governance. Green parties typically emphasize environmental protection, climate action, sustainable development, and reform of economic and social policy to address harm to people and ecosystems. Core positions often include renewable energy expansion, reduction of fossil fuels, sustainable transportation, social justice, gender equality, and human rights, alongside support for European integration and participatory democracy.

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the Greens have become a significant force in national and regional legislatures, frequently participating in governing coalitions or influencing policy from the opposition. They are also represented in the European Parliament within the Greens/European Free Alliance group, and they engage in climate, energy, and environmental initiatives across national borders and levels of government. While the exact platforms and emphasis can vary by country and party and over time, the Grüne movement generally stresses ecological sustainability, social inclusiveness, and a proactive stance on climate and energy transition.