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Bundesrat

Federal Council

noun BOON-des-rat Rare

Also means

upper house of the German parliament

Usage Note

Bundesrat is Germany's upper legislative chamber composed of representatives from the 16 state governments. It participates in federal lawmaking, especially on Zustimmungsgesetze. Not directly elected — delegates are state ministers.

Examples

"Der Bundesrat lehnte das Gesetz zunächst ab, stimmte dann aber zu."

Natural Translation

The Federal Council initially rejected the law but then approved it.

Literal Translation

The Federal-Council rejected the law initially, agreed then however.

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