A Comprehensive Glossary of Legal German Terminology116

German legal terminology, like many legal languages, boasts a rich and complex vocabulary built upon Latin and historical precedents. Mastering this terminology is crucial for anyone engaging with German law, whether as a practitioner, scholar, or translator. This glossary aims to provide a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, overview of key terms, categorized for easier navigation and understanding. The terms are presented in alphabetical order within each category, and definitions are aimed at providing a clear and concise understanding of their legal meaning, rather than a purely linguistic analysis.

I. Fundamental Legal Concepts (Grundlegende Rechtsbegriffe):

Akt (m.): Act, deed, document. This refers to a formal legal document, often with specific legal effects. The term encompasses a wide range of instruments, from contracts to court orders.

Anwalt (m.): Lawyer, attorney. This is the general term for a legal professional authorized to represent clients in court and provide legal advice.

Beschluss (m.): Decision, resolution, order. This refers to a court decision, often on procedural matters, that doesn't have the same binding force as a judgment (Urteil).

Gesetz (n.): Law, statute. This is the most common term for a written law passed by a legislature.

Gericht (n.): Court. The general term for a judicial body.

Recht (n.): Law, right. This term has a broader meaning than "Gesetz," encompassing the entire system of laws and legal principles, as well as individual legal rights.

Urteil (n.): Judgment, sentence. This refers to a binding court decision on the merits of a case.

Vertrag (m.): Contract, agreement. A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

II. Criminal Law (Strafrecht):

Angeklagter (m.): Accused, defendant. The person charged with a crime.

Anklage (f.): Indictment, accusation. The formal charge brought against the accused.

Straftat (f.): Crime, offense. An act that violates criminal law.

Strafmaß (n.): Sentence, punishment. The penalty imposed by a court after a conviction.

Täter (m.): Perpetrator, offender. The person who committed the crime.

Verbrecher (m.): Criminal. A person who has committed a crime.

Zeugnis (n.): Testimony, witness statement. Evidence given by a witness.

III. Civil Law (Zivilrecht):

Klage (f.): Claim, lawsuit. The formal initiation of a civil action.

Kläger (m.): Plaintiff, claimant. The person who brings a civil lawsuit.

Beklagter (m.): Defendant, respondent. The person against whom a civil lawsuit is brought.

Schadenersatz (m.): Damages, compensation. Monetary compensation for losses suffered.

Verjährung (f.): Statute of limitations. The period after which legal action can no longer be taken.

IV. Constitutional Law (Verfassungsrecht):

Bundesverfassungsgericht (n.): Federal Constitutional Court of Germany. The highest court for constitutional matters.

Grundgesetz (n.): Basic Law, German Constitution. The fundamental legal document of Germany.

Verfassung (f.): Constitution. The fundamental law of a state.

V. Procedural Law (Zivilprozessordnung/Strafprozessordnung):

Beweis (m.): Evidence, proof. Material presented in court to support a claim.

Verhandlung (f.): Hearing, trial. The formal court proceedings.

Zeuge (m.): Witness. A person who gives evidence in court.

This glossary provides a foundational understanding of key legal German terms. However, legal German requires deep immersion and careful study. Consulting specialized legal dictionaries and seeking advice from experienced legal professionals is always recommended for accurate and nuanced understanding, especially when dealing with complex legal texts or situations.

2025-04-22

Previous：Unraveling the Giants: Exploring the Longest Words in German

Next：Reporting on Japanese Words: Nuance, Context, and Cultural Considerations