Leben zwischen USA und Deutschland: Kultur, Politik, Studium

What does “per Briefwahl” mean in German?

Emily lives in Germany but is American, so the host asks if she voted in the US elections. She says “Ja, ich habe per Briefwahl an den Wahlen teilgenommen” — she took part by mailing her ballot from far away. “per Briefwahl” is the normal German way to say you voted by post. It matters here: it shows you can still vote even when you’re in another country, away from home.

In the clip: “Ja, ich habe per Briefwahl an den Wahlen teilgenommen.” (Yes, I took part in the elections by postal vote.) “die Briefwahl” is voting by mail — you get your ballot, fill it in at home, and send it back. “per” here means “by way of / through”: per Briefwahl = by postal vote, just like per Post (by mail) or per E-Mail (by email). More examples: “Ich wähle dieses Mal per Briefwahl.” (I’m voting by post this time.) “Briefwahl beantragen” means to ask for your postal ballot. People often use it when they can’t be there in person on election day.