das  Hausverbot

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaʊsˌfɛɐ̯boːt/

🚫 What exactly is a Hausverbot?

The German word das Hausverbot (neuter noun) refers to a ban preventing someone from entering or remaining on specific premises, such as a building, property, or room. It is issued by the person holding the Hausrecht (roughly translates to 'domestic authority' or the right to control access to one's property, e.g., the owner, tenant, leaseholder) to keep unwanted individuals away.

The basis for this is the Hausrecht, which grants the holder the authority to freely decide who is allowed access to their property and who is denied. A Hausverbot can be issued verbally or in writing and is generally indefinite, although it can also be temporary.

⚠️ Violating a valid Hausverbot can lead to criminal charges for Hausfriedensbruch (trespassing).

🧐 Grammar of 'das Hausverbot'

The word "Hausverbot" is a neuter noun. It uses the article "das".

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Ladenbesitzer erteilte dem Dieb ein Hausverbot.
   (The shop owner issued a ban to the thief.)
2. Wegen wiederholter Ruhestörung erhielt er ein Hausverbot für die Bibliothek.
   (Due to repeated disturbances, he received a ban from the library.)
3. Die Nichteinhaltung des Hausverbots kann rechtliche Konsequenzen haben.
   (Non-compliance with the ban can have legal consequences.)
4. Mehrere Personen erhielten nach der Schlägerei Hausverbote für die Diskothek.
   (Several people received bans from the nightclub after the fight.)

💡 Application and Context

A Hausverbot is typically issued in the following situations:

• In shops, shopping malls, or restaurants towards individuals who have stolen, rioted, or harassed other customers.
• In public institutions like libraries, swimming pools, or government offices in cases of gross misconduct.
• In private settings, e.g., when a tenant forbids a visitor from entering the apartment.
• At events to exclude troublemakers.

It serves to protect property, ensure safety, and maintain order. The duration and scope (e.g., just one store or an entire chain) can vary. A groundless or discriminatory Hausverbot may be legally challenged under certain circumstances, especially concerning publicly accessible places.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article: The right to control your house (das Haus) is das Hausrecht, which leads to das Hausverbot. Think of 'das' for 'das Haus' (the house). Both are neuter.

For the meaning: Imagine someone 'verbot' (forbade) you from entering their 'Haus' (house). It literally means Haus (house) + Verbot (ban/prohibition).

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Note: A Platzverweis is typically temporary and related to public spaces, whereas a Hausverbot is specific to a building/property and often lasts longer.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie trotz Hausverbot die Kneipe betreten?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, draußen stand 'Frei Bier'! Da dachte ich, das Hausverbot sei aufgehoben!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you enter the pub despite the ban?" The defendant replies: "Your Honor, the sign outside said 'Free Beer'! I thought the ban had been lifted!"

📜 Poem about Hausverbot

Die Tür bleibt zu, der Zutritt wehrt,
Ein Schild, das klar die Regel lehrt.
Das Hausrecht spricht, es ist vollbracht,
Ein Gast, der Ärger hat gemacht.
Das Hausverbot, streng und direkt,
Hat seinen Zweck perfekt entdeckt.
Kein Schritt hinein, so ist's bestimmt,
Bis Einsicht oder Zeit verrinnt.

Translation:
The door stays shut, entry denied,
A sign that clearly has replied.
The house right speaks, the deed is done,
A guest whose trouble-making spun.
The house ban, strict and so direct,
Its purpose perfectly correct.
No step inside, it is decreed,
Till insight comes or time proceeds.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin ein Recht, doch schließe aus,
Wer unerwünscht in einem Haus.
Der Wirt, der Chef, der Eigner spricht,
Und wer nicht hört, der spürt Gericht.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a right, but I exclude,
Who's unwelcome in a house, viewed rude.
The host, the boss, the owner speaks,
And who ignores, the court he seeks.

What am I?

Solution: Das Hausverbot (The ban from premises)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Hausverbot" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Das Haus: Meaning 'house', 'building', or a private/business area.
• Das Verbot: Meaning 'ban', 'prohibition', a rule that forbids something.

Together, the meaning is: The ban from entering a specific house or property.

Legal Context:

The Hausverbot is based on the Hausrecht (right to control access), which derives from property rights (Article 14 of the German Basic Law - Grundgesetz) and the right of possession (§ 858 ff. BGB - German Civil Code). The civil law basis is often § 1004 BGB (injunctive relief and removal claim) and § 903 BGB (owner's rights). Violation can be prosecuted as Hausfriedensbruch (trespassing) under § 123 StGB (German Criminal Code).