die  Verfassungsänderung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈfasʊŋsˌʔɛndɐʊŋ/

📜 What does *die Verfassungsänderung* mean?

The German word die Verfassungsänderung (feminine noun, article die) translates to constitutional amendment in English. It refers to a formal change or addition to the text of a constitution, which is the fundamental legal framework of a state.

A *Verfassungsänderung* is a significant political and legal process, often subject to special, more difficult requirements (e.g., qualified majorities in parliament) to ensure the stability of the basic order.

⚠️ There's only this one meaning and the article die. Confusion with other meanings is unlikely.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Guide: *die Verfassungsänderung*

The word 'Verfassungsänderung' is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Bundestag diskutiert über eine mögliche Verfassungsänderung.
  (The Bundestag is discussing a possible constitutional amendment.)
• Für die Verfassungsänderung ist eine Zweidrittelmehrheit erforderlich.
  (A two-thirds majority is required for the constitutional amendment.)
• Nach langen Debatten wurde die Verfassungsänderung beschlossen.
  (After long debates, the constitutional amendment was passed.)
• Die Geschichte kennt viele bedeutende Verfassungsänderungen.
  (History knows many significant constitutional amendments.)

🏛️ Usage in Context

The term Verfassungsänderung is primarily used in political, legal, and historical contexts. It describes the formal act of modifying the supreme law of a state.

• Political Debates: When fundamental rights, state organization, or electoral law are discussed.
• Legislative Processes: In connection with the specific procedures for amending the constitution.
• Historical Analyses: When examining changes in a country's political structure over time.
• Legal Terminology: In laws, commentaries, and court rulings.

Distinction: A *Gesetzesänderung* (amendment to a law) affects ordinary laws, whereas a *Verfassungsänderung* affects the fundamental order itself and faces higher hurdles.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of the constitution as the fundamental law; in German, *die Verfassung* is feminine. Therefore, *die Änderung* (the change/amendment) is also feminine. Remember: "die important change" -> die Verfassungsänderung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Verfassung (constitution) + Änderung (change/amendment) = A change to the constitution. The word is quite descriptive!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Terms (Beware of Confusion):

• Gesetzesänderung: (Amendment to a law) - Change to an ordinary law, not the constitution.
• Regierungswechsel: (Change of government) - Change in political leadership, not necessarily the constitution.
• Revolution: (Revolution) - Complete overthrow of the order, often outside constitutional rules.

😄 A Little Political Joke

Fragt ein Politiker den anderen: "Brauchen wir wirklich schon wieder eine Verfassungsänderung?" Sagt der andere: "Klar, die alte passt nicht mehr zu unseren Wahlversprechen!" 😉

(One politician asks another: "Do we really need another constitutional amendment already?" The other replies: "Sure, the old one doesn't fit our campaign promises anymore!")

📜 Verses on the Constitution

Das Grundgesetz, es steht so fest,
doch manchmal braucht es einen Test.
Die Verfassungsänderung kommt dann her,
macht manches neu, ist oft nicht schwer?
Doch hohe Hürden sind gebaut,
damit man weise darauf schaut.
Mit Mehrheit groß, in Bundestag und Rat,
geschieht die wichtige Staatstat.

(The Basic Law, it stands so firm,
but sometimes it needs a test.
The constitutional amendment then arrives,
makes some things new, is often not hard?
But high hurdles are built,
so that one looks upon it wisely.
With a large majority, in Bundestag and Bundesrat,
the important act of state occurs.)

❓ Who or What am I?

Ich ändere das höchste Gesetz im Land,
werde im Parlament mit Bedacht benannt.
Oft brauch' ich mehr als eine Hand,
zwei Drittel stimmen, knüpfen das Band.
Ich bin ein Prozess, formal und wichtig sehr,
mal komm ich selten, mal brauchts mich mehr.

(I change the highest law in the land,
am named in parliament with consideration.
Often I need more than just one hand,
two-thirds agree, tying the band.
I am a process, formal and very important,
sometimes I come rarely, sometimes I'm needed more.)

(Solution: die Verfassungsänderung / the constitutional amendment)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Verfassungsänderung' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Verfassung: The constitution.
• Das 's' (Fugen-s): A linking sound between the parts.
• Die Änderung: The change or amendment.

Trivia: In Germany, amendments to the Basic Law (*Grundgesetz*) are regulated in Article 79 GG. Certain fundamental principles (e.g., human dignity, democratic principles) are completely excluded from amendment by the so-called eternity clause (*Ewigkeitsklausel*, Art. 79 Para. 3 GG).