abstention / abstinence
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abstention
The act of voting neither “yes” nor “no” in a vote. An abstention expresses that someone does not want to or cannot take part in the decision.
Der Antrag wurde mit acht Stimmen bei zwei Enthaltungen angenommen.
The motion was adopted with eight votes in favor and two abstentions.
The noun “Enthaltung” (abstention/abstinence) is derived from the verb “sich enthalten” (to abstain). This consists of the prefix “ent-” (away, away from something) and “halten” (to hold). The literal meaning is therefore to keep oneself away from something.
Er hat sich bei der Abstimmung der Stimme enthalten.
He abstained from voting in the vote.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about politics, elections, or meetings (context words: “Stimme” (vote), “Abstimmung” (vote/ballot)), it means not taking part in a vote. If it is about personal lifestyle or health (context words: “Alkohol” (alcohol), “Fleisch” (meat), “Verzicht” (renunciation)), it means abstinence or giving something up.
Bei der Abstimmung über den neuen Plan gab es drei Ja-Stimmen, zwei Nein-Stimmen und eine Enthaltung.
In the vote on the new plan, there were three yes votes, two no votes, and one abstention.
In political or formal contexts, the result of a vote is often given with the preposition “bei”. The structure is: “mit X Stimmen bei Y Enthaltungen” (with X votes and Y abstentions).
Der Vorschlag wurde mit großer Mehrheit bei nur wenigen Enthaltungen angenommen.
The proposal was adopted by a large majority with only a few abstentions.
When “Enthaltung” (abstinence) describes giving something up, the thing one gives up is connected with the preposition “von” and the dative.
Die Enthaltung von sozialen Medien für eine Woche fiel ihr schwer.
Abstinence from social media for a week was difficult for her.
approval / consent
'die Zustimmung' and 'die Enthaltung' are important in votes. 'Zustimmung' means that you are in favor of something and say yes. An 'Enthaltung' means that you vote neither yes nor no. It is therefore not approval, but also not necessarily direct rejection. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in voting contexts. Remember: 'Zustimmung' supports a proposal, while 'Enthaltung' remains neutral or does not take part in the decision.
Die Enthaltung meines Kollegen wurde bei der Abstimmung genau notiert.
My colleague's abstention was recorded precisely in the vote.
Nach der kurzen Diskussion war Frau Kayas Zustimmung klar.
After the brief discussion, Ms. Kaya's approval was clear.