German phrases at court.A courthouse is more than just a building or a congregation of lawyers and judges; it’s a living institution, pulsating through the cases it handles and the judgments it delivers. It serves as a mirror reflecting the state of justice in a given society and as a compass directing people towards a better future.
German phrases at court
German Phrase
English Translation
Context or Usage
Das Gericht
The Court
General term for the court
Der Richter
The Judge
Male judge
Die Richterin
The Judge
Female judge
Der Kläger
The Plaintiff
The person who brings the lawsuit
Der Angeklagte
The Defendant
The person being accused or sued
Der Zeuge
The Witness
Person giving testimony
Die Anklage
The Charge
What the defendant is accused of
Die Verhandlung
The Hearing/Trial
Court session
Plädoyer
Plea
Final statement before judgment
German sentenses at court
German Sentence
English Translation
Context or Usage
Bitte erheben Sie sich für den Richter.
Please rise for the judge.
The judge is entering the courtroom.
Sie sind unter Eid.
You are under oath.
Reminding a witness that they have taken an oath.
Wie lautet Ihre Aussage?
What is your testimony?
Asking for the witness’s account of events.
Ich beantrage einen Freispruch.
I move for an acquittal.
Defense attorney asking for not guilty verdict.
Der Angeklagte plädiert auf unschuldig.
The defendant pleads not guilty.
Stating the defendant’s plea.
Das Urteil wird zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt verkündet.
The judgment will be announced at a later date.
Delaying the announcement of the verdict.
Der Beweis ist nicht zulässig.
The evidence is not admissible.
Objecting to evidence being presented.
The role of the court in justice in German
German Phrase
English Translation
Role or Function
Unabhängigkeit der Justiz
Independence of the Judiciary
Ensures that courts operate independently to provide unbiased judgments.
Arten von Gerichten
Types of Courts
Highlights the specialized courts that handle different kinds of cases, like civil, criminal, etc.
Rechtsstaatlichkeit
Rule of Law
Courts are responsible for enforcing and interpreting the laws of the country.
Gewaltenteilung
Checks and Balances
Courts serve as a check on other branches of government, ensuring balance of power.
Rechtsstaatliche Verfahren
Due Process
Ensures that every individual receives fair and equal treatment in court proceedings.
Fokus auf Resozialisierung
Focus on Rehabilitation
Courts in criminal cases often prioritize rehabilitation over mere punishment.
Transparenz im Gerichtsverfahren
Transparency in Court Proceedings
Most court sessions are public, ensuring that the justice process is transparent.
Berufungsmöglichkeiten
Opportunities for Appeal
The multi-tiered system allows for appeals to higher courts to ensure thorough review.
members of the court in German
German Term
English Equivalent
Role or Function
Richter
Judge
Presides over the court, makes rulings, and issues judgments.
Staatsanwalt
Prosecutor
Represents the government in criminal cases and prosecutes the accused.
Verteidiger
Defense Attorney
Represents the accused or defendant and defends their rights and interests.
Angeklagter
Defendant
The individual or entity accused or charged in a legal case.
Kläger
Plaintiff
The individual or entity initiating a civil lawsuit.
Zeuge
Witness
Individual called to court to provide testimony.
Geschworene
Juror
Member of a jury, responsible for impartially evaluating evidence and determining guilt or innocence.
Protokollführer
Court Clerk/Recorder
Responsible for keeping the official records of the court proceedings.
Gerichtsvollzieher
Bailiff
Responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and carrying out certain court orders.
Sachverständiger
Expert Witness
Specialist called to offer expert testimony in a certain field (e.g., medicine, engineering).
Zuschauer
Spectator/Observer
Member of the public who watches the court proceedings.
Dolmetscher
Interpreter
Provides language interpretation for parties who do not speak the language of the court.
In conclusion, the role of the court in administering justice serves as a cornerstone in any democratic and legal system. The credibility and effectiveness of a court are reflections of how successful a state is in providing a transparent and fair justice system.
