der  Volksentscheid

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔlksɛntˌʃaɪt/

🗳️ What exactly is a Volksentscheid?

A Volksentscheid (masculine noun, article 'der') is an instrument of direct democracy, often translated as referendum or plebiscite. In a Volksentscheid, the eligible voters directly vote on a specific issue, usually a proposed law. The result is typically binding on the government.

It represents a form of direct citizen participation in political decisions that goes beyond regular elections.

⚠️ There is only this one article, 'der', for the word, as it refers to a specific political concept.

🧐 Grammar: Der Volksentscheid in Detail

The word Volksentscheid is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📜 Example Sentences

• Der Volksentscheid über das neue Gesetz fand letzten Sonntag statt.
  (The referendum on the new law took place last Sunday.)
• Das Ergebnis des Volksentscheids war eindeutig.
  (The result of the referendum was clear.)
• Viele Bürger beteiligten sich an dem Volksentscheid.
  (Many citizens participated in the referendum.)
• Die Regierung muss den Volksentscheid nun umsetzen.
  (The government must now implement the referendum.)
• In der Schweiz gibt es häufiger Volksentscheide als in Deutschland.
  (In Switzerland, there are more referendums than in Germany.)

🌐 When and how is 'Volksentscheid' used?

The term Volksentscheid is primarily used in political and legal contexts.

• Political Debates: When discussing instruments of direct democracy.
• News Reporting: When covering specific votes at the federal, state, or local level.
• Legislation: When the possibility of a Volksentscheid is enshrined in constitutions or laws.
• Comparison with other terms:
  • Volksbegehren: Often the preliminary stage to a Volksentscheid. Citizens collect signatures to force a vote (popular initiative).
  • Referendum: An often synonymous term, more common internationally.
  • Plebiszit (Plebiscite): Similar, but sometimes carries the connotation of a top-down vote initiated to confirm a political measure.

Using Volksentscheid always implies a direct vote by the electorate on a specific issue.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'DERermination' of the people. The Volksentscheid expresses the people's determination. DERtermination -> der Volksentscheid.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is made of „Volk“ (people/folk) and „Entscheid“ (decision). So it's literally the 'people's decision'.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Concepts

🚨 Caution: Although 'Referendum' is often used synonymously, subtle differences might exist within the specific legal context of a country.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Politiker den anderen: „Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Wahl und einem Volksentscheid?“
Antwortet der andere: „Bei einer Wahl entscheiden die Leute, wer entscheidet. Bei einem Volksentscheid entscheiden sie, was entschieden wird – und wir müssen es dann irgendwie erklären.“ 😉

Translation:
One politician asks another: "What's the difference between an election and a Volksentscheid (referendum)?"
The other replies: "In an election, people decide who decides. In a Volksentscheid, they decide what gets decided – and then we have to somehow explain it." 😉

✍️ Poem about the Volksentscheid

Das Volk wird gerufen, die Stimme zählt,
Eine Frage klar aufgestellt.
Nicht nur Abgeordnete im Saal,
Direkt entscheidet man diesmal.

Der Zettel wird gefaltet, rein,
Soll's Gesetz nun gelten, ja oder nein?
Der Volksentscheid, ein starkes Recht,
Mal gut genutzt, mal wirkt er schlecht.

Translation:
The people are called, the vote counts,
A question clearly posed.
Not just representatives in the hall,
This time, the decision is direct.

The ballot is folded, put inside,
Should the law now pass, yes or no tide?
The Volksentscheid, a powerful right,
Sometimes used well, sometimes causes blight.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein König, doch das Volk bestimmt durch mich.
Ich bin kein Gesetz, doch schaffe oft Verbindlichkeit.
Ich bin ein Moment, wo Bürger direkt sprechen,
Und Politiker müssen hören, was sie versprechen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am no king, yet the people decide through me.
I am no law, yet often create binding force.
I am a moment where citizens speak directly,
And politicians must listen to what they pledge effect❜ly.

What am I?

Solution: Der Volksentscheid (The Referendum/Plebiscite)

🧩 Further Insights

Word Composition

The word Volksentscheid is a compound noun, composed of:

• Volk (noun): Refers to the people, the citizens of a state (akin to 'folk').
• Entscheid (noun): Derived from the verb „entscheiden“ (to decide), meaning decision, ruling, verdict.

Together, it literally means the "people's decision".

Historical Significance

Referendums (Volksentscheide) have a long history in various countries (e.g., Switzerland) and are often a subject of political debate regarding increased citizen participation.