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abweichende Meinung
/ˈapˌvaɪ̯çn̩də ˈmaɪ̯nʊŋ/
dissenting opinion
Der Richter stimmte der Mehrheit zu, aber er äußerte eine abweichende Meinung.
The judge agreed with the majority but expressed a dissenting opinion.
Law
formal
A formal statement by a judge or legal expert expressing disagreement with the majority decision in a court case.
In der Urteilsbegründung wurde eine abweichende Meinung des Richters X angeführt.
In the judgment reasoning, the dissenting opinion of Judge X was cited.
Die abweichende Meinung betonte verfassungsrechtliche Bedenken.
The dissenting opinion emphasized constitutional concerns.
Commonly used in legal contexts, especially in higher courts like the German Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht).
neutral
An opinion that differs from the majority or accepted view in a group or organization.
Bei der Vorstandssitzung gab es eine abweichende Meinung zum neuen Marketingplan.
There was a dissenting opinion regarding the new marketing plan at the board meeting.
Can also refer to any minority viewpoint in professional or organizational settings.
Collocations
eine abweichende Meinung äußernto express a dissenting opinioneine abweichende Meinung verfassento write a dissenting opiniondie abweichende Meinung teilento share the dissenting opinion
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal vs. General Use
In legal contexts, 'abweichende Meinung' is a technical term with formal implications. In general discussions, it can be used more loosely to describe any minority viewpoint.
Gold Rule
Formal Tone
When referring to legal dissenting opinions, always use a formal tone and context. Avoid casual use in professional settings.
Word Origin
From 'abweichend' (deviating, differing) + 'Meinung' (opinion). 'Abweichend' derives from 'abweichen' (to deviate), which comes from Middle High German 'abweichen' (to turn away), combining 'ab-' (away) and 'weichen' (to yield). 'Meinung' has roots in Old High German 'meinunga' (opinion), related to 'meinen' (to mean, to think).
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, a dissenting opinion is a formal document and carries significant weight in legal discourse. In everyday language, it can simply refer to any differing viewpoint.
Word Breakdown
abweichende
deviating, differing
adjective (present participle)Meinung
opinion
nounDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch