koalieren

Koalieren is a German verb that means to form a coalition. It is used primarily in parliamentary political discourse to describe parties agreeing to govern together, usually to obtain a legislative majority. The related noun is die Koalition, and the resulting governing arrangement is often called a Regierungskoalition or discussed in Koalitionsverhandlungen (coalition negotiations) and a Koalitionsvertrag (coalition agreement).

Formation typically occurs when no single party has a clear majority. Parties engage in Koalitionsverhandlungen to negotiate a common policy program and the distribution of ministerial posts. The agreement that emerges, the Koalitionsvertrag, specifies policy priorities, government structures, and portfolio allocations, providing a framework for joint governance.

Types and terminology frequently appear in German politics. A Große Koalition describes a governing coalition between the two largest parties. Other common forms include the Ampelkoalition (SPD, Greens, and FDP) and the Jamaika-Koalition (CDU/CSU, FDP, and Greens), each named for the color symbolism of the partner parties.

Impact and dynamics are defining features of koalieren. Coalition governments can offer stability and broader political support but require compromise and concessions among partners. They may also be fragile, dissolving through broken agreements or elections, potentially giving rise to minority governments or new coalitions.

See also: Koalition; Koalitionsvertrag.