schwächere

Schwächere is a German noun used to designate people who are weaker or more vulnerable in social, economic, or political contexts. It derives from the adjective schwach (weak) and is used as a collective term for groups at a disadvantage, such as children, the elderly, disabled people, the chronically ill, unemployed, refugees, or economically marginalized individuals. The phrase is typically encountered in the plural as die Schwächeren (the weaker ones); singular forms are der Schwächere (masculine), die Schwächere (feminine), and das Schwächere (neuter), though it is most often used in plural reference.

In policy and public discourse, the term functions as a category to argue for protections, subsidies, or inclusive arrangements. It is common in welfare, health care, labor law, and education policy, where lawmakers, advocates, or commentators frame policies as protecting die Schwächeren against social risk or exclusion.

Etymology: formed from the adjective schwach with a nominalization pattern common in German. The term is generally neutral in grammar but can carry normative implications, signaling a moral appeal to protect vulnerable groups. Critics note that usage can risk paternalism or vague generalization if not tied to concrete groups or data.

See also: Stärkere, Schwäche, Vulnerable populations, Social policy.