die  Zweidrittelmehrheit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tsvaɪˈdʁɪtl̩ˌmeːɐ̯haɪt/

🗳️ What does "die Zweidrittelmehrheit" mean?

The German word die Zweidrittelmehrheit refers to a type of qualifizierte Mehrheit (qualified majority) in votes or elections. It is achieved when at least zwei Drittel (two-thirds, approx. 66.67%) of the valid votes cast (or sometimes of all possible votes or all members present, depending on the specific rules) are in favour.

It is a feminine noun, hence it's always die Zweidrittelmehrheit.

This type of majority is often required for particularly important decisions that need broad consensus, such as:

• Constitutional amendments (Verfassungsänderungen)
• Expulsion of members from an association (Ausschluss von Mitgliedern)
• Certain resolutions in parliaments or international organizations

⚠️ It's important to know the exact basis to which the Zweidrittelmehrheit refers (e.g., votes cast, statutory number of members).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of Zweidrittelmehrheit in Detail

The word "Zweidrittelmehrheit" is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular as it describes a specific concept.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural "die Zweidrittelmehrheiten" is grammatically possible but very rarely used in practice, as people usually talk about the concept itself or a specific vote requiring such a majority.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Für eine Änderung des Grundgesetzes ist eine Zweidrittelmehrheit im Bundestag und Bundesrat erforderlich.
   (For an amendment to the Basic Law, a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and Bundesrat is required.)
2. Der Antrag wurde angenommen, da er die notwendige Zweidrittelmehrheit erreichte.
   (The motion was adopted because it achieved the necessary two-thirds majority.)
3. Die Satzung des Vereins schreibt für den Ausschluss eines Mitglieds eine Zweidrittelmehrheit vor.
   (The association's statutes require a two-thirds majority for the expulsion of a member.)

🏛️ When and how is "Zweidrittelmehrheit" used?

The term die Zweidrittelmehrheit is mainly used in formal contexts, especially in:

• Politics (Politik): In votes on laws, constitutional amendments, impeachment proceedings, or international treaties.
• Law (Recht): In legal texts, statutes of associations (Satzungen von Vereinen), articles of incorporation for companies establishing specific majority requirements.
• Organizations and Associations (Organisationen und Vereinen): For fundamental decisions such as amending statutes or dissolving the organization.

Distinction from other majorities:

• Einfache Mehrheit (Simple Majority): More 'yes' votes than 'no' votes.
• Absolute Mehrheit (Absolute Majority): More than half of all possible votes (e.g., of all members of parliament).
• Qualifizierte Mehrheit (Qualified Majority): Any majority that exceeds a simple majority (e.g., Zweidrittelmehrheit, Dreiviertelmehrheit - three-quarters majority). Die Zweidrittelmehrheit is a specific type of qualified majority.

Using the term often signals that a decision is particularly significant and requires broad support.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Mehrheit' (the majority). The word Mehrheit is feminine. Even with 'Zwei Drittel' in front, it remains die Mehrheit -> die Zweidrittelmehrheit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a cake divided into three pieces 🍰. For the Zweidrittelmehrheit, you need at least zwei (two) of these drei (three) pieces (two-thirds) – a very large portion!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Zweidrittelmehrheit

Risk of Confusion:

• Absolute Mehrheit: Absolute majority (more than 50% of *all* eligible voters, not just votes cast). The requirements can differ depending on the context.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Politiker den anderen: "Brauchen wir für die Kaffeepause auch eine Zweidrittelmehrheit?"
Sagt der andere: "Nein, aber für die Entscheidung, wer den Kaffee bezahlt, wäre sie manchmal hilfreich!" 😉

Translation:
One politician asks another: "Do we also need a two-thirds majority for the coffee break?"
The other replies: "No, but it would sometimes be helpful for deciding *who* pays for the coffee!" 😉

✍️ Poem about the Majority

Im hohen Haus, bei Rat und Tat,
manch' Hürde auf dem Pfad.
Nicht einfach nur die Hälfte zählt,
wenn Großes wird gewählt.

Zwei Drittel müssen nicken klar,
sonst wird daraus kein Ja fürwahr.
Die Zweidrittelmehrheit schwer errungen,
hat schon manch großen Plan bezwungen.

Translation:
In the high house, with counsel and deed,
Many a hurdle on the path indeed.
Not just half is counted there,
When great things are chosen with care.

Two-thirds must clearly nod 'yes',
Otherwise, no true approval to bless.
The two-thirds majority, hard-won,
Has thwarted many a grand plan begun.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin mehr als nur die Hälfte,
brauche fast des Kuchens zwei von drei Äste.
Für wichtige Beschlüsse bin ich Pflicht,
ohne mich bewegt sich oft was nicht.
Mein Artikel ist feminin, merk's dir gut,
ich fordere breiten Mut.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I am more than just half,
I need almost two of the cake's three staff (branches/parts).
For important decisions, I am a must,
Without me, things often gather dust.
My article is feminine, remember it right,
I demand broad courage and might.

What am I?

Answer: die Zweidrittelmehrheit

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Zwei: The number two (2).
• Drittel: The fraction one-third (1/3).
• Mehrheit: Majority, the state where one group or opinion prevails.

Together, the meaning is: A majority comprising at least two-thirds.

Trivia

• In the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), constitutional amendments require a Zweidrittelmehrheit of the members of the Bundestag and a Zweidrittelmehrheit of the votes in the Bundesrat (Article 79 Paragraph 2 GG). This highlights the high threshold for changes to the constitution.
• Many international organizations, such as the United Nations, also require two-thirds majorities for certain far-reaching decisions.