German word

Referendum

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁefeˈʁɛndʊm/

Meaning

  • neuter nounreferendum

Example

Das Referendum wurde gestern mit großer Mehrheit angenommen.

The referendum passed by a large majority yesterday.

Illustration for Referendum (referendum)

More examples

Viele Länder erlauben ein Referendum nur bei Verfassungsänderungen.

Many countries allow a referendum only for constitutional amendments.

Core concept

A ballot box stands between the public and a major political decision, with the decision made directly rather than only through elected representatives.

Common phrases

  • für ein Referendum werben

    campaign for a referendum

  • über ein Referendum abstimmen

    vote on a referendum

  • die Organisation eines Referendums

    the organization of a referendum

Similar words

Volksabstimmung: A nationwide or local vote in which people approve or reject a public proposal.
Volksentscheid: A legally binding decision-making process settled by citizens through a majority vote.
Bürgerentscheid: A direct vote in which municipal residents decide a local matter.
Volksbefragung: A nonbinding direct consultation used to gauge public opinion on an issue.

Definition in German

Ein Referendum bezeichnet eine Volksabstimmung, bei der Bürgerinnen und Bürger über ein Gesetz, eine Verfassungsänderung oder eine politische Frage entscheiden.

Word origin

German borrowed Referendum from the Latin gerundive referendum, meaning a matter to be referred back, and uses it as a political term for a public vote.

Usage tips

  • Referendum is a neuter noun, so the definite article is das and the plural is Referenden.

Other meanings

  • plebiscitenoun

Opposites

  • repräsentative Demokratierepresentative democracynoun

Related words

  • Referendumsverfahrenreferendum procedurenoun
  • Referendumsgegnerreferendum opponentnoun

Word lists with this word