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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Votum
opinion
A formal expression of opinion or judgment on a particular question, often in the context of an assessment or discussion.
EXAMPLE
Der Experte gab ein positives Votum für die Fortsetzung des Projekts ab.
The expert gave a positive opinion on the continuation of the project.
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 Stimme
voice / vote
In a vote, Stimme is the individual decision cast by a participant. Votum, by contrast, refers to the result of the vote in a committee or other body. Individual votes are counted, and the Votum results from them.
Votum
Nach der Abstimmung fiel das Votum des Ausschusses knapp für den Vorschlag aus.
After the vote, the committee's decision was narrowly in favor of the proposal.
Stimme
Bei der Abstimmung gab jedes Mitglied eine Stimme ab.
Each member cast one vote.
In real life
Loading video examples...