das  Bundesverwaltungsgericht

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəsfɛɐ̯ˌvaltʊŋsɡəˌʁɪçt/

🏛️ What exactly is das Bundesverwaltungsgericht?

Das Bundesverwaltungsgericht (often abbreviated as BVerwG) is the highest German court in the field of general administrative law. It is one of the five federal supreme courts in Germany.

It primarily acts as a court of appeal (Revisionsinstanz) for judgments from the Higher Administrative Courts (Oberverwaltungsgerichte or Verwaltungsgerichtshöfe) of the German states. In certain specific cases, it can also have original and final jurisdiction.

The article is always das because the core noun 'Gericht' (court) is neuter, and 'Bundesverwaltungs-' simply acts as descriptive components.

• Type: Institution, Court
• Article: das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of das Bundesverwaltungsgericht

The word "Bundesverwaltungsgericht" is a neuter noun. It is generally used only in the singular as it refers to a specific, unique institution.

Singular

Plural

The plural "die Bundesverwaltungsgerichte" is very rare and would refer to hypothetical or multiple such courts, which is not the case in the German system. Grammatically, it would be declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Bundesverwaltungsgericht hat seinen Sitz in Leipzig.
   (The Federal Administrative Court is located in Leipzig.)
2. Die Entscheidung des Bundesverwaltungsgerichts war endgültig.
   (The decision of the Federal Administrative Court was final.)
3. Der Fall wurde an das Bundesverwaltungsgericht verwiesen.
   (The case was referred to the Federal Administrative Court.)
4. Viele Juristen verfolgen die Urteile des Bundesverwaltungsgerichts genau.
   (Many lawyers closely follow the rulings of the Federal Administrative Court.)

⚖️ Usage in Context

The term "Bundesverwaltungsgericht" is primarily used in legal and political contexts. It denotes the specific institution at the top of Germany's administrative jurisdiction.

• Formal: Used in official documents, laws, judgments, news reports, and academic publications.
• Abbreviation: The abbreviation BVerwG is very common, especially in legal texts.
• Comparison: It needs to be distinguished from the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof - BGH, for civil and criminal law), the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht - BVerfG, for constitutional matters), the Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht - BAG), and the Federal Social Court (Bundessozialgericht - BSG).
• Not Colloquial: The word is rarely used in everyday conversation unless specifically discussing a case or the legal system.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Remember "das Gericht" (the court). Even with many words in front (Bundes, Verwaltung), the core word 'Gericht' is neuter. Therefore, it's das Bundesverwaltungsgericht.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a huge Verwaltung (administration) overseen by the Bund (Federation/Germany). When there's a dispute, you go to the highest Gericht (court) for it: the Bundes-Verwaltungs-Gericht (Federal Administrative Court).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different terms:

• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH): Federal Court of Justice - responsible for civil and criminal law.
• Bundesverfassungsgericht (BVerfG): Federal Constitutional Court - reviews the constitutionality of laws and decisions.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Bürger den anderen: "Warum dauert das Verfahren vor dem Bundesverwaltungsgericht so lange?"

Antwortet der andere: "Na, die müssen doch erst mal die ganzen Aktenberge verwalten, bevor sie Gericht halten können!" 😉

Translation:

One citizen asks another: "Why do proceedings at the Federal Administrative Court take so long?"

The other replies: "Well, they first have to *administer* (verwalten) all the mountains of files before they can hold *court* (Gericht)!" 😉

📜 A Short Poem

In Leipzig, stolz und sehr gerecht,
Urteilt das Bundesverwaltungsgericht echt.
Für Bürgerrecht und Staatsbelang,
Hört man hier der Urteile Klang.
Ob Bauprojekt, ob Asylrecht klar,
Die letzte Instanz ist für alle da.

Translation:

In Leipzig, proud and very just,
Rules das Bundesverwaltungsgericht, in which we trust.
For civil rights and matters of state,
One hears the sound of judgments' weight.
Be it building plans or asylum's plea,
The final instance for all to see.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Gericht, doch koche nicht.
Ich sitze in Leipzig, ein wichtiges Licht.
Geht es um Verwaltung, den Bund betreffend,
Bin ich die letzte Instanz, Recht sprechend.

Wer oder was bin ich? Antwort/Answer: Das Bundesverwaltungsgericht

Translation:

I am a court, but I do not cook.
I sit in Leipzig, an important look.
When it's about administration, concerning the federal nation,
I am the final instance, providing legal declaration.

What am I?
Answer: The Federal Administrative Court (Das Bundesverwaltungsgericht)

✨ Other Interesting Details

• Location: Das Bundesverwaltungsgericht is housed in the impressive building of the former Reichsgericht (Imperial Court of Justice) in Leipzig.
• Word Composition: The word is a compound noun made up of:
  • Bund: Refers to the federal level of Germany.
  • Verwaltung: Refers to the area of law (administrative law).
  • Gericht: Refers to its function as a judicial body (court).
• Significance: It plays a crucial role in ensuring the legality of administrative actions and protecting citizens' rights against the state.