Eidgenössische

Eidgenössische is a German adjective meaning "federal" or "confederal" and is most commonly associated with Switzerland. It signifies something pertaining to the Swiss Confederation (Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft). When used in this context, it denotes a national characteristic or institution that is part of the Swiss federal structure.

For example, "Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich" translates to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. This indicates that the institution is under the purview of the Swiss federal government. Similarly, "Eidgenössische Volksabstimmung" refers to a federal popular vote, a direct democratic instrument at the national level in Switzerland. The term emphasizes the collective and federal nature of the entity or action it describes within the Swiss political system. It is a key descriptor for understanding Swiss governance and its institutions.