Bürgerbegehren

citizens' petition

noun BUER-ger-be-ge-ren Rare

Also means

civic initiative

Usage Note

Bürgerbegehren is a formal petition by citizens to compel a local authority to hold a referendum (Bürgerentscheid) on a specific issue. It is a tool of direct democracy at the municipal level in Germany.

Examples

"Das Bürgerbegehren gegen den Neubau bekam genug Unterschriften."

Natural Translation

The citizens' petition against the new construction gathered enough signatures.

Literal Translation

The citizens-petition against the new-build got enough signatures.

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