die  Volksabstimmung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔlksˌapʃtɪmʊŋ/

🗳️ What does 'die Volksabstimmung' mean?

The German word die Volksabstimmung (plural: die Volksabstimmungen) refers to a referendum or plebiscite. It's a key instrument of direct democracy where the entire eligible voting population decides directly on a specific political issue (e.g., a law, a constitutional amendment).

Unlike elections where representatives are chosen (like parliamentary elections), a Volksabstimmung is about voting on a factual matter (Sachfrage). These can occur at various political levels (national, regional, local).

• Synonymous terms in German: Referendum, Plebiszit (sometimes with slightly different connotations).
• Importance: Especially in countries like Switzerland (die Schweiz), Volksabstimmungen are a frequently used and established political tool.

🚨 There's only one article for this word: die Volksabstimmung. It's a feminine noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Volksabstimmung

The noun "Volksabstimmung" is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Die Regierung kündigte eine Volksabstimmung über das neue Gesetz an.
   The government announced a referendum on the new law.
2. Das Ergebnis der Volksabstimmung war sehr knapp.
   The result of the referendum was very close.
3. Viele Bürger beteiligten sich an der Volksabstimmung.
   Many citizens participated in the referendum.
4. In der Schweiz finden regelmäßig Volksabstimmungen statt.
   Referendums regularly take place in Switzerland.

🗣️ How is 'die Volksabstimmung' used?

The term "Volksabstimmung" is primarily used in political and social discourse.

• Typical Contexts: Debates about direct democracy (direkte Demokratie), reporting on political decisions, discussions about legislative proposals or constitutional amendments.
• Difference from similar German terms:
  • Referendum: Often used synonymously, sometimes more specific for votes on laws already passed by parliament.
• Plebiszit: Can denote a vote initiated more 'from above' (by the government), often on a question of confidence or fundamental direction, sometimes seen as less binding than a Referendum.
• Bürgerentscheid: Refers specifically to votes at the municipal level (kommunale Ebene).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Stimme" (the voice) of the people. Stimme is feminine, just like die Volksabstimmung. Alternatively, connect it to die Demokratie (democracy, feminine), which is often exercised through a Volksabstimmung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Volk (people/folk) + Abstimmung (voting/vote). The 'folk' are 'voting'. Simple!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Be aware: These terms aren't always 100% interchangeable and nuances can vary depending on the country and specific context.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Wahl und einer Volksabstimmung?

Antwort: Bei einer Wahl weißt du hinterher, wer dich enttäuschen wird. Bei einer Volksabstimmung weißt du es schon vorher – nämlich die andere Hälfte der Abstimmenden! 😉

Translation:

Question: What's the difference between an election and a referendum?

Answer: In an election, afterwards you know who will disappoint you. In a referendum, you know beforehand – namely, the other half of the voters! 😉

📜 Poem about Volksabstimmung

Das Volk wird gerufen, die Stimm' zu erheben,
Für Ja oder Nein, ein Gesetz zu (er)leben.
Auf Zetteln, ganz schlicht, wird die Meinung notiert,
Die Volksabstimmung, die Demokratie ziert.
Mal einig, mal zwistig, das Ergebnis ist klar,
So spricht nun das Volk, Jahr für Jahr.

Translation:

The people are called, to raise their voice,
For Yes or No, to make a law their choice.
On ballots, quite plain, opinion is penned,
The Volksabstimmung, democracy's friend.
Sometimes united, sometimes split near,
Thus speak the people, year after year.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich gebe dem Volk eine direkte Stimme,
Nicht über Personen, doch über Dinge – schlimme
Wie gute Gesetze, Verträge, Ideen.
Man muss dafür zur Urne gehen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I give the people a direct voice,
Not about persons, but things – bad choice
Or good laws, treaties, ideas profound.
For me, to the ballot box you are bound.

What am I?

Solution: die Volksabstimmung

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Volksabstimmung" is a compound noun, made up of:

• das Volk: The people, the eligible citizens of a state.
• die Abstimmung: The act of voting, the poll or ballot used to decide an issue.

Together, the meaning is: A vote by the people.

Context and History

Referendums (Volksabstimmungen) have a long tradition in various political systems but are particularly characteristic of Switzerland's direct democracy. Historically, Germany also had referendums (e.g., Weimar Republic). Today, they are provided for in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) at the state and municipal levels, and for territorial reorganizations, but not generally for federal legislation (as of 2023, except for reorganizing federal territory or adopting a new constitution).