das  Vetorecht

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈveːtoˌʁɛçt/

🏛️ What does "das Vetorecht" mean?

Das Vetorecht translates to the right of veto or veto power. It refers to the right held by a person, group, or state to object to a decision or resolution, thereby blocking it or rendering it invalid.

It's a formal right to say "No!" (Nein!) and thus prevent a measure from being adopted. The term originates from the Latin word veto, meaning "I forbid". It is typically used in political bodies (like the UN Security Council - UN-Sicherheitsrat), within organizations, or sometimes in contractual agreements.

The word is neuter in German, so the article is always das: das Vetorecht.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension: A closer look at "das Vetorecht"

Vetorecht is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

The plural form die Vetorechte is grammatically correct but rarely used in practice, as the right is usually understood as a single concept. It might be used when referring to several specific veto rights held by different entities.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Präsident machte von seinem Vetorecht Gebrauch, um das Gesetz zu stoppen.
   (The president used his veto power to stop the law.)
2. Ein ständiges Mitglied des Sicherheitsrates kann durch sein Vetorecht eine Resolution blockieren.
   (A permanent member of the Security Council can block a resolution with its veto power.)
3. Das Vetorecht des Betriebsrats wurde in der Sitzung diskutiert.
   (The works council's right of veto was discussed in the meeting.)
4. Die Abschaffung des Vetorechts wird immer wieder gefordert.
   (The abolition of the veto power is repeatedly demanded.)

💡 Usage and Context: When to use "das Vetorecht"

Das Vetorecht is a key term in the fields of law and politics (Recht und Politik) and the administration (Verwaltung) of organizations.

• International Politics: Most famously known is the Vetorecht of the five permanent members (China, France, Great Britain, Russia, USA) of the United Nations (UN) Security Council (Sicherheitsrat).
• National Politics: Heads of state (e.g., presidents - Präsidenten) often possess a Vetorecht against laws passed by the parliament (Parlament).
• Organizations & Companies: Bylaws of associations or company agreements might grant Vetorechte to specific members or bodies, for instance, regarding important strategic decisions.
• General Usage: Less commonly, it's used metaphorically when someone unilaterally blocks a decision (e.g., "My partner exercised their Vetorecht regarding our vacation plans.").

It's important to understand that a Vetorecht is a negative instrument – it can prevent something but cannot actively enforce something. It differs from the Stimmrecht (general right to vote) or the Zustimmungsrecht (the requirement for explicit approval).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Vetorecht

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Vetorecht with the general right to vote (Wahlrecht or Stimmrecht). The Vetorecht is a specific power to block decisions.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Demokratie und dem Familienabendessen?

Antwort: Beim Familienabendessen hat Papa manchmal noch ein absolutes Vetorecht gegen Brokkoli! 🥦

Question: What's the difference between a democracy and family dinner?

Answer: At family dinner, Dad sometimes still has an absolute veto power against broccoli! 🥦

📜 A Short Poem

Ein Wort genügt, ein starkes "Nein!",
Schon stockt der Plan, so soll es sein.
Das Vetorecht, mit Macht bedacht,
Hat manchen Fortschritt jäh zunicht gemacht.
Doch schützt es auch vor schnellem Wahn,
Bricht übereiltem Tun die Bahn.

A word's enough, a strong "No!" declared,
The plan halts fast, its fate ensnared.
The Veto Right, with power endowed,
Has stopped much progress, spoken loud.
Yet shields from hasty, mad design,
Breaks paths where hurried actions shine.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Recht, doch kein Gericht,
Ich sage "Nein!" und änd're die Sicht.
Im hohen Rat werd' ich oft gebraucht,
Hab' manchen Beschluss schon ausgehaucht.
Mit 'das' steh' ich im deutschen Land,
Welches Recht ist hier genannt?

I am a right, but not a court,
I say "No!" and change the sort.
In high councils, I'm often applied,
Many decisions I have pushed aside.
With 'das' I stand in German lands,
Which right is known by these commands?

Solution: Das Vetorecht (The Veto Power)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

The word Vetorecht is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Veto: From Latin "vetare" (to forbid), literally meaning "I forbid".
• Recht: The German word for right, law, or a system of rules.

Origin

The concept of the veto dates back to the Roman Republic, where Tribunes of the Plebs (Volkstribunen) had the right to block decisions made by the Senate or magistrates by declaring "Veto!".