Federal Council
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Federal Council
In Germany, the representation of the 16 federal states at the federal level, which participates in legislation.
Das Gesetz muss noch durch den Bundesrat, bevor es in Kraft treten kann.
The law still has to pass through the Federal Council before it can come into force.
Federal Council
In Switzerland, the federal government, which consists of seven members and functions as the collective head of state.
Der Schweizer Bundesrat hat heute über die neuen Maßnahmen entschieden.
The Swiss Federal Council decided on the new measures today.
Federal Council
In Austria, the second chamber of parliament, which represents the interests of the federal states.
Die Mitglieder des österreichischen Bundesrates werden von den Landtagen gewählt.
The members of the Austrian Federal Council are elected by the state parliaments.
The word is made up of 'Bund' (federation) and 'Rat' (council, assembly). So it literally means 'council of the federation' or 'federal council.'
Der Bundesrat vertritt die Interessen der Länder auf Ebene des Bundes.
The Federal Council represents the interests of the states at the federal level.
The meaning of 'Bundesrat' (Federal Council) depends entirely on the country being discussed. Pay attention to the context: in Germany, it is the chamber representing the states; in Switzerland, the government; and in Austria, the second chamber of parliament.
In Deutschland muss der Bundesrat vielen Gesetzen zustimmen.
In Germany, the Federal Council must approve many laws.
In the German context, the Bundesrat is often associated with legislation. Typical phrases are 'ein Gesetz passiert den Bundesrat' (a law passes through the Bundesrat), 'der Bundesrat stimmt zu' (the Bundesrat approves), or 'der Bundesrat ruft den Vermittlungsausschuss an' (the Bundesrat calls on the mediation committee).
Der Bundesrat hat dem neuen Klimaschutzgesetz zugestimmt.
The Federal Council approved the new climate protection law.
In Switzerland, the Federal Council is the government and the collective head of state. Unlike in Germany or Austria, it has executive power.
Ein Mitglied des Schweizer Bundesrates wird Bundespräsident genannt.
A member of the Swiss Federal Council is called the Federal President.
federal government
Both institutions are involved in political work at the federal level, but they have different responsibilities. The Bundesregierung is the central executive body, consisting of the Federal Chancellor and the ministers; the Bundesrat represents the federal states and participates in the legislative process. Use the appropriate term depending on which institution is acting.
Der Bundesrat beriet über den neuen Gesetzentwurf.
The Federal Council discussed the new bill.
Die Bundesregierung legte dem Parlament einen neuen Gesetzentwurf vor.
The federal government submitted a new bill to Parliament.
