referendum
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referendum
An instrument of direct democracy in which the eligible voting population votes directly on a political issue or a law. The result is usually legally binding.
In einem Volksentscheid stimmte die Mehrheit der Bürger für den Bau der neuen Umgehungsstraße.
In a referendum, the majority of citizens voted in favor of building the new bypass road.
This noun is made up of 'Volk' (people) and 'Entscheid' (a decision), connected by an '-s-'. So it literally means a decision by the people.
Das Ergebnis des Volksentscheids war für alle bindend.
The result of the referendum was binding for everyone.
Common verbs in connection with 'Volksentscheid' (referendum) are 'einen Volksentscheid durchführen' (to carry out a referendum), 'initiieren' (to initiate), or 'abhalten' (to hold). Citizens 'stimmen in einem Volksentscheid über etwas ab' (vote on something in a referendum).
Die Regierung plant, einen Volksentscheid über das neue Gesetz abzuhalten.
The government is planning to hold a referendum on the new law.
'Volksentscheid' (referendum) is a specific term from politics and law. It is used in news reports, political discussions, and legal texts.
Die Presse berichtete ausführlich über den bevorstehenden Volksentscheid.
The press reported extensively on the upcoming referendum.
choice / election
'die Wahl' and 'der Volksentscheid' can both be political votes. The important difference is: in a 'Wahl' (election), people or parties are usually elected. In a 'Volksentscheid' (referendum), the population decides directly on a specific issue or a law. Learners may confuse the words because citizens vote in both cases. If it is about candidates or parties, people usually say 'Wahl'. If it is about a specific political question, 'Volksentscheid' is more precise.
Der Volksentscheid hat gezeigt, dass viele Menschen gegen das neue Gesetz sind.
The referendum showed that many people are against the new law.
Bei der Wahl geben die Bürger ihre Stimme für eine Partei ab.
In the election, citizens cast their vote for a party.