die
Gegenstimme
🗳️ What does 'die Gegenstimme' mean?
Die Gegenstimme (noun, feminine) refers to a vote that is cast against a proposal, a candidate, or an option during a poll, election, or decision-making process. It expresses disapproval or opposition.
It is the direct opposite of a Ja-Stimme (yes-vote) or Zustimmung (approval/agreement).
- Context: Typically used in political debates, elections, meetings (e.g., company shareholder meetings, club meetings), and voting processes of all kinds.
⚠️ There are no other articles or meanings for 'Gegenstimme'; it is always die Gegenstimme.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📊 Grammar in Detail: die Gegenstimme
The word 'Gegenstimme' is a feminine noun. Here is the declension:
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | die | Gegenstimme |
| Genitive (Whose?) | der | Gegenstimme |
| Dative (To whom?) | der | Gegenstimme |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | die | Gegenstimme |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gegenstimmen |
| Genitive | der | Gegenstimmen |
| Dative | den | Gegenstimmen |
| Accusative | die | Gegenstimmen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Antrag wurde mit nur einer Gegenstimme angenommen. (The motion was passed with only one vote against.)
- Bei der Abstimmung gab es zehn Ja-Stimmen und fünf Gegenstimmen. (In the vote, there were ten yes-votes and five no-votes/votes against.)
- Die Anzahl der Gegenstimmen war überraschend hoch. (The number of votes against was surprisingly high.)
🗣️ Usage in Context
Die Gegenstimme is mainly used in formal contexts involving voting:
- Politics: In elections, votes in parliament (Bundestag, Landtag), in committees.
- Business: At general meetings of stock corporations, decisions in the supervisory board or executive board.
- Clubs & Organizations: At member meetings, board elections, decisions on statute changes.
- General: Whenever a group formally decides on something and dissenting opinions are documented.
People often talk about the 'Zahl der Gegenstimmen' (number of votes against) or that someone 'mit Gegenstimme votiert/abstimmt' (votes against).
Comparison:
- Enthaltung (Abstention): An Enthaltung is not a Gegenstimme. It expresses neither approval nor disapproval.
- Ungültige Stimme (Invalid vote): An invalid vote is not counted and is also not a Gegenstimme.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Die Stimme (the voice/vote) is feminine (die Stimme), so die Gegenstimme (the vote against) is also feminine. Think: 'Die' voice says "Nein!".
Meaning Mnemonic: 'Gegen' means 'against' or 'opposition'. So, a Gegenstimme is simply a Stimme (vote) that is 'gegen' (against) something. Quite logical!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Nein-Stimme: Very direct and common ('No-vote').
- Ablehnung: Disapproval/rejection - expresses the attitude, not necessarily the single vote.
- Veto (limited): A veto is a right to object that can block a decision, not just a single vote against.
- Opposition (in context): Refers more to the group that is against, but can also encompass their votes.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Ja-Stimme: Direct opposite ('Yes-vote').
- Zustimmung: Approval/agreement, the positive stance or vote.
- Befürwortung: Endorsement, expression of support.
- Pro-Stimme: Vote in favor ('Pro-vote').
⚠️ Similar Words (Caution):
- Gegenrede: A speech arguing against something, not the vote itself.
- Widerspruch: Contradiction or objection (the act), not the vote.
😄 A Little Joke
Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Wahl und einem Streit mit der Ehefrau?
Antwort: Bei der Wahl zählt die Gegenstimme.
Translation:
Question: What's the difference between an election and an argument with your wife?
Answer: In an election, the vote against counts.
📜 A Short Poem
Im Rat wird laut debattiert,
Ein Vorschlag wird präsentiert.
Manch einer nickt und ist dafür,
Doch öffnet sich 'ne andre Tür.
Ein Ruf ertönt, ganz klar und rein,
Es ist die Gegenstimme: "Nein!"
Translation:
In the council, debated aloud,
A proposal is presented now.
Some nod their heads in favour's sign,
But another door opens, a different line.
A call rings out, both clear and plain,
It's the vote against: "Nein!" (No!)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin ein 'Nein' auf einem Zettel,
Verhindre manchmal großen Zettelwirtschaft-Wettel.
Bei Abstimmung und Wahl,
Bin ich oft eine Qual (für die Mehrheit).
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am a 'No' on a piece of paper,
Sometimes preventing a big paperwork caper.
In votes and elections, it's true,
I am often a pain (for the majority crew).
What am I?
Solution: die Gegenstimme (the vote against)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word 'Gegenstimme' is a compound noun, composed of:
- gegen: Preposition/adverb indicating opposition, resistance, or direction ('against').
- Stimme: Noun (feminine), meaning both the human voice and the expression of will cast in an election or vote ('voice'/'vote').
Cultural Significance:
In democratic systems, the ability to cast a Gegenstimme is fundamental. It represents the right to free speech and opposition.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gegenstimme?
The word "Gegenstimme" is always feminine. The correct article is die: die Gegenstimme. It means a vote cast in opposition during a ballot or poll.