die  Motion

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/moˈt͡si̯oːn/

🧐 What Exactly is a 'Motion'?

The German word die Motion (feminine, article 'die') refers to a formal proposal or initiative, usually introduced in a political body (like a parliament, committee, or assembly) to initiate a specific action, decision, or legislative change.

It's a specific term from the realm of politics and administration (Politik und Verwaltung). ✍️ A Motion aims to call upon the executive branch (government, authority) to take a certain course of action or to stimulate debate on a topic.

⚠️ Attention: In German, 'Motion' does not mean 'movement' in the physical sense (for that, you use 'die Bewegung'). It's a 'false friend' to the English word 'motion'.

📝 Grammar of 'die Motion' in Detail

The noun 'die Motion' is feminine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Die Abgeordnete reichte eine Motion zur Änderung des Gesetzes ein.
   (The representative submitted a motion to amend the law.)
2. Über die Motion wird morgen im Parlament abgestimmt.
   (The motion will be voted on in parliament tomorrow.)
3. Der Ausschuss berät über mehrere eingegangene Motionen.
   (The committee is discussing several received motions.)
4. Mit dieser Motion fordern wir die Regierung zum Handeln auf.
   (With this motion, we call on the government to act.)

🏛️ When to Use 'die Motion'?

The term die Motion is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Politics: In the Bundestag (German federal parliament), state parliaments (Landtagen), city councils (Stadträten), or other political bodies when a formal proposal is made.
• Associations and Organizations: At general meetings (Mitgliederversammlungen) or board meetings (Vorstandssitzungen) to bring about formal resolutions.
• Parliamentary Procedures: As an integral part of the rules of procedure (Geschäftsordnungen) in many parliaments.

In general everyday language, the word is rather rare. Instead, words like der Antrag (request, application, proposal) or der Vorschlag (suggestion, proposal) are often used, although they may not always carry the same formal weight as a Motion in a political context.

A Motion is more specific than a general Antrag; it is often an instrument of the legislature (parliament) to influence or control the executive (government).

💡 Memory Aids for 'die Motion'

Article Mnemonic: Think of a political commission (die Kommission) discussing the Motion. Kommission is feminine, just like die Motion.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Motion sets things into political 'motion' – specifically, a decision-making process or a legislative initiative. Imagine a politician standing up and shouting 'Motion!' to start a formal discussion.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Be careful with similar-sounding words:

• Die Emotion: Emotion, feeling (sounds similar, but unrelated).
• Die Promotion: Obtaining a doctorate; sales promotion (also only similar in sound).
• Die Bewegung: Physical movement (common confusion with the English word 'motion').

😂 A Little Joke

Warum war die Motion im Parlament so müde?
(Why was the motion in parliament so tired?)

Weil sie die ganze Nacht durchberaten wurde!
(Because it was debated all night long!)

📜 A Motion in Verse

Im hohen Haus, bei Rat und Tat,
(In the high house, with counsel and deed,)
liegt eine Schrift, kein leerer Pfad.
(lies a document, not an empty path.)
Die Motion, klar und mit Bedacht,
(The motion, clear and considered,)
hat einen Plan zur Welt gebracht.
(has brought a plan into the world.)

Sie fordert auf, sie regt an, zu seh'n,
(It calls upon, it encourages to see,)
was besser könnt' im Land gescheh'n.
(what could happen better in the land.)
Man stimmt nun ab, mit Ja, mit Nein,
(Now they vote, with yes, with no,)
soll diese Änderung bald sein?
(should this change soon be?)

❓ Who or What Am I?

Ich werde schriftlich eingereicht,
(I am submitted in writing,)
in Parlamenten bin ich zu Haus.
(I am at home in parliaments.)
Ich fordere Taten, mal sanft, mal leicht,
(I demand actions, sometimes gently, sometimes lightly,)
und bring' oft Neues schnell heraus.
(and often bring out new things quickly.)
Mein Artikel ist 'die', ganz feminin.
(My article is 'die', quite feminine.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Solution: Die Motion

🌐 Origin and Other Info

The word Motion originally comes from the Latin word motio (movement) and entered German via French (motion). In German, however, it specialized to the specific meaning within the political and parliamentary context.

It belongs to the so-called Kanzleistil (chancellery style) or administrative language (Verwaltungssprache) and therefore often sounds very formal.