grünen

Grünen is a German-language term used to refer to Green political movements and parties in German-speaking countries. The term is commonly used to designate the Green parties collectively, with the usual article and plural form die Grünen in German. The formal party names vary by country, for example Germany’s Bündnis 90/Die Grünen; Austria’s Die Grünen – Die Grüne Alternative; and Switzerland’s Grüne Partei der Schweiz (GPS).

The Green movement originated in environmental and anti-nuclear activism in the 1970s and 1980s and expanded to broader political platforms, including climate policy, social justice, and democratic participation. Over time, Grünen groups have grown from local and regional actors into national and regional political players within their respective systems.

Ideology and priorities typically center on environmental protection and climate action, sustainable development, and the energy transition away from fossil fuels. They also emphasize social justice, human rights, gender equality, civil liberties, and participatory democracy. In practice, their policy portfolios often include reform of transport, agriculture, and industry toward sustainability, digital rights, and progressive European integration. While most Grünen parties position themselves on the center-left or green-left, they frequently participate in coalitions with other parties to implement policy.

Political activity and influence vary by country. Greens have achieved parliamentary representation at national and cantonal levels and have led or participated in governing coalitions in several German-speaking regions. They are part of the Global Greens network and, in Europe, align with the European Green Party, connecting national movements to global and continental green policymaking.