German word

Volksentscheid

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɔlksɛntˌʃaɪ̯̯t/

Meaning

  • masculine nounreferendum

Example

Der Ausgang des Volksentscheids war knapp.

The outcome of the referendum was close.

Illustration for Volksentscheid (referendum)

More examples

Die Partei kündigte an, einen Volksentscheid abhalten zu wollen.

The party announced that it wanted to hold a referendum.

Core concept

Citizens settle a concrete public question directly at the ballot box instead of leaving the decision to a parliament.

Common phrases

  • einen Volksentscheid abhalten

    hold a referendum

  • Unterschriften für einen Volksentscheid sammeln

    collect signatures for a referendum

  • einen Volksentscheid gewinnen

    win a referendum

Similar words

Referendum: An official vote in which voters decide whether to accept a policy or law.
Volksabstimmung: A public vote in which citizens express support for or opposition to a policy or law.
Volksbegehren: A citizens' petition that gathers signatures to bring a proposal before authorities.
Bürgerentscheid: A municipal vote in which residents directly settle an important local issue.

Definition in German

Abstimmung, bei der die stimmberechtigten Bürger unmittelbar über eine Sachfrage entscheiden

Word origin

Volksentscheid combines Volk, meaning 'people', with Entscheid, a noun related to entscheiden, 'to decide'.

Usage tips

  • Volksentscheid is masculine, with the forms der Volksentscheid and die Volksentscheide.

Opposites

  • Parlamentsbeschlussparliamentary resolutionnoun
  • Regierungsbeschlussgovernment decisionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word