die  Gesetzesvorlage

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈzɛtsəsˌfoːɐ̯ˌlaːɡə/

📜 What exactly is a Gesetzesvorlage?

Die Gesetzesvorlage (feminine) refers to a formulated draft of a new law or an amendment to an existing law, which is submitted to a parliament or other legislative body for deliberation and decision. It's the first formal step in the legislative process before the draft becomes binding law.

You could say it's the 'blueprint' for a law. 🏛️

⚠️ Don't confuse it with a Gesetz, which is a law that has already been passed and is in effect.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Gesetzesvorlage

The noun „Gesetzesvorlage“ is feminine. The article is „die“.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Die Regierung hat eine neue Gesetzesvorlage zur Reform des Steuersystems eingebracht.
   (The government introduced a new bill to reform the tax system.)
2. Über die umstrittene Gesetzesvorlage wird nächste Woche im Parlament debattiert.
   (The controversial bill will be debated in parliament next week.)
3. Der Inhalt der Gesetzesvorlage stieß auf breite Kritik in der Bevölkerung.
   (The content of the bill met with widespread criticism among the population.)
4. Die Abgeordneten stimmten der Gesetzesvorlage nach langer Diskussion zu.
   (The deputies approved the bill after a long discussion.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Gesetzesvorlage'?

The term die Gesetzesvorlage is primarily used in political and legal language. It describes the formal text that forms the basis for parliamentary debate and voting on a new law.

• Context: Politics, parliamentarianism, legislation, law, administration.
• Typical Verbs: eine Gesetzesvorlage einbringen (introduce), vorlegen (present), diskutieren (discuss), beraten (deliberate), ändern (amend), verabschieden (pass), ablehnen (reject), zustimmen (approve).
• Related Terms: Der Gesetzentwurf (draft law) is often used synonymously. An Initiative (initiative) can lead to a Gesetzesvorlage. After being passed, it becomes a Gesetz (law).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Aid: Think of 'Vorlage' as something presented or laid out ('vor-legen' means to present/put forward). Many nouns ending in '-e' derived from verbs are feminine ('die'). Hence, 'die Vorlage' leads to die Gesetzesvorlage.

Meaning Aid: A Gesetzesvorlage is laid ('liegt vor') before parliament ('vor dem Parlament') for consideration. It's the 'before' stage of a law (Gesetz).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Vorlage: General term for template, draft, presentation; not specific to laws.
• Beschluss: (Decision/Resolution) The result of a vote, e.g., on a Gesetzesvorlage.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum sind Gesetzesvorlagen manchmal so kompliziert geschrieben?

Damit die Anwälte auch etwas zu tun haben, wenn sie später darüber streiten! 😉

Translation:

Why are legislative bills sometimes written so complicatedly?

So that the lawyers also have something to do when they argue about it later! 😉

✍️ Poem about a Gesetzesvorlage

Ein Stapel Papier, bedruckt und schwer,
die Gesetzesvorlage, kommt nun her.
Im Plenum wird beraten, laut und lang,
ob sie dem Volk bringt Nutzen oder Zwang.

Man feilscht um Worte, Komma, jeden Satz,
findet sie am Ende ihren Platz?
Wird sie Gesetz, das unser Leben lenkt?
Die Spannung steigt, bis die Entscheidung schenkt.

Translation:

A stack of paper, printed and heavy,
the bill, now comes forth readily.
In plenary debated, loud and long,
if it brings the people benefit or wrong.

They haggle over words, comma, every phrase,
will it find its place in the final phase?
Will it become law, guiding our lives?
Tension mounts, until the decision arrives.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Plan, noch nicht Gesetz,
werd' diskutiert im Parlament geschwind und stets.
Mal heiß umstritten, mal schnell durchgewinkt,
bevor ich als Regelwerk dem Bürger blinkt.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am a plan, not yet a law,
discussed in parliament quickly and evermore.
Sometimes hotly debated, sometimes waved through fast,
before as a rulebook for the citizen I'm cast.

What am I?

Answer: Die Gesetzesvorlage (The bill / draft law)

🧩 Word Components and Fun Facts

Word Composition

The word „Gesetzesvorlage“ is a compound noun, made up of:

• Das Gesetz: The law (here in the genitive form 'Gesetzes-')
• Die Vorlage: Something presented, a draft, a template.

Together, the meaning is essentially 'draft presented to become law'.

Trivia

The journey of a Gesetzesvorlage from its introduction to its promulgation as law can take very different amounts of time in Germany (depending on complexity and the responsibilities of the Bundestag and Bundesrat) – from a few weeks to several months or even years.