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das Votum
vote
The result of a vote or election in a committee or body. It expresses the decision of the majority.
example
Das Votum der Jury für den ersten Preis war einstimmig.
The jury's vote for first prize was unanimous.
das Votum
vote / opinion
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and origin
'Votum' (vote/opinion) is a formal word from Latin and is mainly used in politics, law, and official bodies. It is rarely used in normal everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Das Parlament wird morgen sein Votum zum neuen Gesetz abgeben.
Parliament will cast its vote on the new law tomorrow.
Typical collocations
When referring to a voting result, 'Votum' (vote) is often combined with adjectives such as 'einstimmig' (unanimous), 'eindeutig' (clear), or 'knapp' (narrow/close). A common formulation is also 'das Votum fiel ... aus' (the vote turned out ...).
EXAMPLE
Das Votum der Mitglieder war eindeutig.
The members' vote was clear.
Giving an opinion
In the meaning of 'Meinungsäußerung' (expression of opinion), the fixed expression 'ein Votum abgeben' (to give/cast an opinion) is often used. It is usually the assessment of an expert or reviewer.
EXAMPLE
Der Gutachter hat ein positives Votum für den Bau der Brücke abgegeben.
The reviewer gave a positive opinion on the construction of the bridge.
Compare with
Votum vs Entscheidung
decision
'die Entscheidung' and 'das Votum' can both express what result a group or a responsible person comes to. 'Entscheidung' is the more general word and fits many situations, including personal choices or official decisions. 'Votum' is used mainly for votes, elections, or formal expressions of opinion in a committee or body. It sounds clearly more official. When it is about the result of a vote or a formal statement of opinion, 'Votum' is more precise. In normal everyday situations, 'Entscheidung' sounds more natural.
Votum
Das Votum des Ausschusses wird morgen veröffentlicht.
The committee's vote will be published tomorrow.
Entscheidung
Ich brauche noch Zeit für die Entscheidung über den neuen Job.
I still need time to make the decision about the new job.
In real life
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