das  Gesetz

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈzɛts/

📜 What does "das Gesetz" mean?

Das Gesetz (noun, neuter) refers to a generally binding rule or regulation issued by the state or an authorized body, which organizes coexistence in a society. It defines rights and obligations and provides for sanctions in case of violations.

Essentially, there are two main meanings:

1. A single legal norm: A specific, enacted document that regulates a particular matter (e.g., das Bürgerliche Gesetzbuch - the Civil Code, das Strafgesetzbuch - the Penal Code).
2. The legal system as a whole: The entirety of all applicable legal norms of a state or community (e.g., "vor dem Gesetz sind alle gleich" - "everyone is equal before the law").

It is always used with the article "das".

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Gesetz

"Gesetz" is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It follows the strong declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

• Das neue Gesetz tritt morgen in Kraft.
  (The new law comes into effect tomorrow.)
• Die Einhaltung des Gesetzes ist verpflichtend.
  (Compliance with the law is mandatory.)
• Wir müssen uns dem Gesetz beugen.
  (We must submit to the law.)
• Der Bundestag hat das Gesetz beschlossen.
  (The parliament has passed the law.)
• Die Gesetze sollen die Bürger schützen.
  (The laws are intended to protect the citizens.)
• Die Auslegung der Gesetze ist manchmal schwierig.
  (The interpretation of the laws is sometimes difficult.)
• Die Richter orientieren sich an den Gesetzen.
  (The judges base their decisions on the laws.)
• Man muss die Gesetze kennen.
  (One must know the laws.)

💡 How to use "das Gesetz"?

"Das Gesetz" is mainly used in formal, legal, and political contexts.

• In law: Refers to specific legal acts (e.g., das Tierschutzgesetz - the Animal Welfare Act) or the legal system in general (e.g., das Gesetz brechen - to break the law).
• In politics: Discussions about new laws, draft legislation (Gesetzesentwürfe), lawmaking (Gesetzgebung).
• Figuratively: Sometimes used for unwritten rules or natural laws (e.g., das Gesetz des Dschungels - the law of the jungle, das Gesetz der Schwerkraft - the law of gravity).

Distinction from similar words:

• Regel (rule): Often more informal, can also be used for social conventions or game rules. Less binding than a Gesetz.
• Vorschrift (regulation, provision): Usually more specific and detailed than a Gesetz, often technical in nature or part of an ordinance (Verordnung).
• Verordnung (ordinance, decree): Often issued to implement a Gesetz, usually by the executive branch (government, authority) rather than parliament.
• Norm (norm, standard): Can be a law, but also a social or technical standard (e.g., DIN standard).

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Gesetz"

For the article "das": Think of laws as part of an abstract system or concept, like das Recht (the law/justice), das Prinzip (the principle), das System (the system). Many abstract nouns in German are neuter (sächlich).

For the meaning: Imagine someone "sets" (German: setzen) down a rule. A Gesetz is something that has been "set down" or established (festgesetzt).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "das Gesetz"

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• gesetzt (adjective): calm, composed, sedate, staid (e.g., ein gesetzter Herr - a staid gentleman). Unrelated to the noun Gesetz.

😄 A Little Joke

Richter: "Angeklagter, wissen Sie überhaupt, was Sie geschworen haben?"
Angeklagter: "Jawohl, Herr Richter, die Wahrheit zu sagen!"
Richter: "Und was passiert, wenn Sie nicht die Wahrheit sagen?"
Angeklagter: "Dann gewinne ich hoffentlich den Prozess!"

Translation:

Judge: "Defendant, do you even know what you swore?"
Defendant: "Yes, Your Honor, to tell the truth!"
Judge: "And what happens if you don't tell the truth?"
Defendant: "Then hopefully I win the case!"

(Disclaimer: Lying in court is punishable by law! 😉)

📜 A Little Poem

Das Gesetz, so klar und rein,
soll für alle Richtschnur sein.
Mal streng, mal mild, mal alt, mal neu,
hält die Gesellschaft es treu.
Geschrieben auf Papier, in Stein gemeißelt fast,
es ordnet, schützt, trägt schwere Last.
Von Menschen für den Menschen gemacht,
hat über Rechte und Pflichten es gewacht.

Translation:

The law, so clear and pure,
should be a guideline for all, secure.
Sometimes strict, sometimes mild, old, or new,
society holds it true.
Written on paper, almost carved in stone,
it orders, protects, bears heavy load alone.
Made by humans for humankind,
it has watched over rights and duties assigned.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch spreche ich zu allen.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch kann ich Strafen verhängen.
Ich werde oft diskutiert und manchmal auch geändert.
Man kann mich brechen, aber das ist nicht clever.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Das Gesetz

Translation:

I have no voice, yet I speak to everyone.
I have no hands, yet I can impose punishments.
I am often discussed and sometimes changed.
You can break me, but that's not clever.

What am I?

Solution: The law (das Gesetz)

🧩 Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology):

The German word "Gesetz" comes from Old High German "gisetsida" (order, statute) and Middle High German "gesetze". It is closely related to the verb "setzen" (to set, put, place) in the sense of "to establish, determine". Thus, a Gesetz is something "established" or a "statute".

Interesting Facts:

• The oldest known written law code is the Code of Ur-Nammu from Mesopotamia (approx. 2100 BC).
• "Vor dem Gesetz sind alle gleich" ("Everyone is equal before the law") is a fundamental principle in many modern legal systems (Article 3 of the German Basic Law - Grundgesetz).
• There are also "unwritten laws" (ungeschriebene Gesetze) based on customary law or social conventions.