nõrgemate

Nõrgemate is an Estonian term used to refer to people who are socially, economically, or physically in a weaker position. The word is a grammatical form of the adjective nõrk (“weak”), specifically the genitive plural of the comparative form nõrgem, and is often used to designate a group rather than a single individual. In practice, nõrgemate can be translated as “the weaker ones” or “the vulnerable,” depending on context.

In policy and public discourse, nõrgemate are commonly mentioned in discussions about social protection, welfare, and equal opportunity. Phrases such as nõrgemate huvides (in the interests of the weaker) or kaitse nõrgemate õigused (protection of the rights of the vulnerable) are standard constructions. The term is used to frame debates around measures intended to support disadvantaged or marginalized groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, long-term unemployed, and minority populations.

Grammatical notes: nõrgemate is needed after verbs or prepositions that require the genitive case, or when forming possessive or relational phrases. It contrasts with nõrgemad (the weaker ones, nominative plural) and nõrgema (genitive singular), illustrating how Estonian uses case endings to indicate grammatical roles rather than fixed plural forms alone.

See also: vulnerable populations, social policy, welfare state, human rights, equality.

This entry presents nõrgemate as a neutral term in academic and policy contexts, while acknowledging occasional discussions about its use and potential paternalistic connotations.