constitutional amendment
Loading your saved state.
constitutional amendment
A formal change, addition, or correction to the text of a state's constitution. Such changes usually require a special legislative procedure.
Für eine Verfassungsänderung ist eine Zweidrittelmehrheit im Parlament erforderlich.
A two-thirds majority in parliament is required for a constitutional amendment.
The word is made up of three parts: 'die Verfassung' (the constitution), the linking -s, and 'die Änderung' (the change). So it literally describes a change to the constitution.
Die Opposition fordert eine grundlegende Verfassungsänderung.
The opposition is calling for a fundamental constitutional amendment.
In political contexts, a constitutional amendment is often combined with certain verbs. For example, you can 'beschließen' (pass/adopt), 'vorschlagen' (propose), 'ablehnen' (reject), or 'durchsetzen' (push through) it.
Die Regierungsparteien wollen die Verfassungsänderung noch in diesem Jahr beschließen.
The governing parties want to pass the constitutional amendment this year.
This word belongs to the specialized language of politics and law. It is used almost exclusively in formal discussions about a country's political system.
In der Zeitung wurde über die geplante Verfassungsänderung berichtet.
The newspaper reported on the planned constitutional amendment.
amendment to the law
'die Gesetzesänderung' and 'die Verfassungsänderung' both refer to a formal change in politics or law. The difference is what is being changed. A 'Gesetzesänderung' concerns an ordinary existing law. A 'Verfassungsänderung' concerns the constitution, meaning the fundamental rules of a state, and usually requires a special procedure. The words can be confused because a constitutional amendment is also passed legally. If only an individual law is being adjusted, you say 'Gesetzesänderung'; if the text of the constitution is changed, it is called 'Verfassungsänderung'.
Am Montag diskutiert das Parlament eine mögliche Verfassungsänderung.
On Monday, parliament is discussing a possible constitutional amendment.
Die Gesetzesänderung gilt ab Januar für alle Autofahrer.
The amendment to the law applies to all drivers starting in January.