local referendum
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local referendum
A procedure of direct democracy at the municipal level in which eligible voters of a municipality or city vote directly on an important factual issue. The result is generally binding for politicians and the administration.
Durch einen Bürgerentscheid wurde der Bau des neuen Einkaufszentrums verhindert.
The construction of the new shopping center was prevented by a local referendum.
The word is made up of 'Bürger' (citizen) and 'Entscheid' (decision). The 's' in between is a linking element that connects the two parts. It literally means a decision by the citizens.
Der Bürgerentscheid zur neuen Bibliothek war erfolgreich.
The local referendum on the new library was successful.
When you want to name the topic of the Bürgerentscheid (local referendum), you use the preposition 'über' followed by the accusative.
Es gab einen Bürgerentscheid über den Bau der neuen Umgehungsstraße.
There was a local referendum on the construction of the new bypass road.
Common verbs in this context are 'einen Bürgerentscheid initiieren' (to initiate a local referendum) or 'durchführen' (to carry out/hold). The result can 'beschließen' (decide/approve) or 'verhindern' (prevent) something.
Eine Bürgerinitiative will einen Bürgerentscheid zum Erhalt des Parks durchführen.
A citizens' initiative wants to hold a local referendum to preserve the park.
referendum
A Referendum and a Bürgerentscheid give the population the opportunity to vote directly on a political issue. Bürgerentscheid, however, is the specific German term for this procedure in a municipality or city, while Referendum is used more generally. Bürgerentscheid is therefore especially appropriate for a local vote.
Die Einwohner stimmen in einem Bürgerentscheid über den neuen Stadtpark ab.
The residents are voting on the new city park in a local referendum.
Die internationale Zeitung bezeichnet die Abstimmung über den neuen Stadtpark als Referendum.
The international newspaper calls the vote on the new city park a referendum.
