das  Plädoyer

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/plɛˈdɔɪ̯ɐ/

📜 What exactly is a Plädoyer?

The German word das Plädoyer (noun, neuter) has two main meanings:

1. In a legal context: It refers to the final speech by a lawyer or prosecutor in court, summarizing arguments and proposing a verdict (closing argument, summation). Example: Der Verteidiger hielt ein leidenschaftliches Plädoyer für seinen Mandanten. (The defense attorney gave a passionate plea for his client.)
2. In general usage: It stands for an emphatic, often passionate speech or piece of writing intended to convince someone of something or to advocate for something or someone (plea, appeal, defense, advocacy). Example: Ihr Artikel war ein überzeugendes Plädoyer für mehr Umweltschutz. (Her article was a convincing plea for more environmental protection.)

The word only takes the article das. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with similar-sounding words like 'Plage' (plague) or 'Plakat' (poster).

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'das Plädoyer'

The noun "Plädoyer" is neuter (sächlich) and is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

• Der Staatsanwalt begann sein Plädoyer mit einer Zusammenfassung der Beweise.
  (The prosecutor began his closing argument with a summary of the evidence.)
• Das Buch ist ein beeindruckendes Plädoyer für Toleranz und Menschlichkeit.
  (The book is an impressive plea for tolerance and humanity.)
• Nach stundenlanger Beratung hörte das Gericht die abschließenden Plädoyers.
  (After hours of deliberation, the court heard the final closing arguments.)
• Sein emotionales Plädoyer rührte viele Zuhörer zu Tränen.
  (His emotional plea moved many listeners to tears.)

🗣️ How to use 'das Plädoyer'?

"Das Plädoyer" is mainly used in two contexts:

• Legal: Here it is a fixed technical term for the closing argument in court. One speaks of the "Plädoyer der Anklage" (prosecution's closing argument) or "Plädoyer der Verteidigung" (defense's closing argument).
• General/Figurative: Here it describes committed reasoning or a passionate appeal for an idea, a person, or a cause. It often carries a positive connotation of engagement and persuasiveness.

It's a somewhat formal word, more common in formal or written contexts than in everyday colloquial speech. When talking about a simple request or suggestion, you would more likely use "Bitte" (request), "Appell" (appeal), "Vorschlag" (suggestion), or "Argumentation" (reasoning).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'das': Think of das Judgment. A Plädoyer often precedes das judgment in court. Or remember that many words ending in '-er' borrowed from French are neuter in German, like das Dossier, das Foyer, das Plädoyer.

For the meaning: Imagine someone pleads (plädiert) so passionately for something, it's their big Plädoyer. The sound 'Play-do-yay' might evoke the idea of 'playing' with words to make a passionate argument 'yay!' successful.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Plädoyer

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with "Petition" (a written request signed by many people) or "Referat" (presentation, report on a topic).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten nach dem langen Plädoyer seines Anwalts: "Haben Sie nach diesem beeindruckenden Plädoyer noch etwas hinzuzufügen?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ja, Herr Richter. Können Sie mir bitte noch einmal kurz zusammenfassen, wofür genau mein Anwalt plädiert hat?"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant after his lawyer's long closing argument: "After this impressive plea, do you have anything to add?"
The defendant replies: "Yes, Your Honor. Could you please briefly summarize for me what exactly my lawyer was pleading for?"

✍️ Poem about the Word

Im Saal der Waage, ernst und schwer,
erklingt die Stimme, laut und hehr.
Ein Anwalt spricht, mit Herz und Sinn,
bringt Argumente, sucht Gewinn.
Für Recht und Wahrheit, klar und rein,
das Plädoyer soll überzeugend sein.

Translation:
In the hall of scales, serious and grave,
The voice rings out, loud and brave.
A lawyer speaks, with heart and mind,
Brings arguments, seeks gain to find.
For right and truth, clear and pure,
The closing plea must convince for sure.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin eine Rede, oft am Schluss,
im Gerichtssaal ein Muss.
Ich werbe stark für eine Seit',
mit Argument und Emsigkeit.
Auch außerhalb, mit viel Elan,
kämpf' ich für manchen Plan.

Was bin ich? Lösung: das Plädoyer

Translation:
I am a speech, often at the end,
In the courtroom, a must, my friend.
I strongly advocate for one side,
With arguments and diligence as my guide.
Also outside, with much zest,
I fight for many plans put to the test.

What am I? Solution: das Plädoyer (the plea / closing argument)

ℹ️ Additional Info

Etymology: The word "Plädoyer" comes from the French verb plaider, meaning “to litigate”, “to speak in court”, or “to defend”. The corresponding noun in French is le plaidoyer.

Cultural Significance: A powerful Plädoyer can play a significant role in public perception, not only in court cases but also in political debates or societal discourses.