das  Grundbuch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntˌbʊx/

📜 What exactly is 'das Grundbuch'?

Das Grundbuch is the official public register in Germany where land plots (Grundstücke) and the rights and encumbrances associated with them are recorded. It is maintained by the competent Grundbuchamt (Land Registry Office, usually part of the local court - Amtsgericht) and enjoys öffentlicher Glaube (public faith). This means that one can generally rely on the accuracy of the entries.

Specifically, it documents:

• Eigentumsverhältnisse: Who owns the property?
• Lasten und Beschränkungen: Are there easements (like rights of way), residential rights, rights of first refusal?
• Grundpfandrechte: Are mortgages or land charges registered (e.g., to secure loans)?

Each property has its own Grundbuchblatt (land register folio). Looking into das Grundbuch is essential before any real estate purchase!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension of 'das Grundbuch'

The word 'Grundbuch' is a neuter noun. The definite article is das.

Example Sentences

1. Der Notar beantragt die Eintragung ins Grundbuch.
   (The notary applies for the registration in the land register.)
2. Ein Auszug aus dem Grundbuch ist für den Verkauf notwendig.
   (An extract from the land register is necessary for the sale.)
3. Die Bank ließ eine Grundschuld in das Grundbuch eintragen.
   (The bank had a land charge registered in the land register.)
4. Alle Änderungen an den Eigentumsverhältnissen müssen im Grundbuch vermerkt werden.
   (All changes in ownership must be noted in the land register.)
5. Die alten Grundbücher werden im Archiv aufbewahrt.
   (The old land registers are kept in the archive.)

💡 How is 'das Grundbuch' used?

The term Grundbuch is mainly used in legal and real estate contexts.

• Immobilienkauf/-verkauf (Real estate purchase/sale): It's a central part of every transaction as it clarifies the legal status of the property.
• Kreditabsicherung (Loan security): Banks often secure loans by registering a Grundschuld (land charge) or Hypothek (mortgage) in das Grundbuch.
• Rechtsstreitigkeiten (Legal disputes): In case of uncertainties about ownership or rights, das Grundbuch serves as the authoritative source of information.
• Amtlicher Nachweis (Official proof): The Grundbuchauszug (land register extract) is the official proof of the registered information.

⚠️ Important: Das Grundbuch should not be confused with the Liegenschaftskataster (cadastre/land parcel information system). The Kataster describes the physical characteristics (location, size, usage), while das Grundbuch documents the legal relationships.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of "das BOOK". Das Grundbuch is a special BOOK ('Buch') concerning the GROUND ('Grund'). Many official registers or documents in German are neuter ('das Register', 'das Dokument', 'das Protokoll') – so is das Grundbuch.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you lay the GROUNDwork (Grund) for your house. All important info is kept in a big official BOOK (Buch) – the Grundbuch.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Risk of Confusion

Liegenschaftskataster: As mentioned under 'Usage', this describes the actual physical details (e.g., plot map), not primarily the legal rights.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Warum hat das Grundbuch nie schlechte Laune?
Weil es immer alles schwarz auf weiß sieht und sich auf festem Grund befindet!

EN: Why is the Grundbuch never in a bad mood?
Because it always sees everything in black and white and stands on solid ground!

✍️ A Little Poem

DE:
Auf Papier, ganz amtlich, fein,
Trägt man Rechte, Lasten ein.
Wer besitzt den Grund und Boden?
Wer hat Schulden, wer hat Lohn?
Sicherheit für Haus und Land,
Steht im Grundbuch, wohlbekannt.

EN:
On paper, official, neat,
Rights and burdens find their seat.
Who owns the ground beneath our feet?
Who has debts, whose gain is sweet?
Security for house and land,
In the Grundbuch, close at hand.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich bin ein Buch, doch les mich nicht zum Spaß.
Ich zeige dir, wem gehört dies und das.
Von Grund und Boden, Rechten, alter Schuld,
Berichte ich mit amtlicher Geduld.
Wer klug investiert, schaut erst in mich hinein.
Was kann ich wohl sein?

EN:
I am a book, but not read for delight.
I show you who owns what, day and night.
Of land and soil, of rights, of debts long due,
I report with official patience, it's true.
Wise investors look inside me first, it's plain.
What could I be? What is my name?

Solution: Das Grundbuch (The Land Registry)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Grundbuch' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Grund: Refers to ground, land, plot (Grundstück).
• Buch: Means book, referring to the register, the collection of information (originally actual books, now mostly digital).

Trivia

The German Grundbuch system is considered very reliable and transparent. The 'öffentlicher Glaube' (public faith) of the Grundbuch means that someone acquiring a right from a person registered in the Grundbuch acquires this right even if the registered person was not the true owner (good faith acquisition - 'gutgläubiger Erwerb'), unless the acquirer knew of the inaccuracy or an objection ('Widerspruch') is registered.