das  Sorgerecht

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/das ˈzɔʁɡəʁɛçt/

📜 What exactly does "das Sorgerecht" mean?

Das Sorgerecht refers to the legal right and obligation of parents (or legal guardians) to care for the personal well-being (*Personensorge*) and the property (*Vermögenssorge*) of their minor child and to represent them legally. It's a central concept in German family law (*Familienrecht*).

It encompasses decisions about:

• The child's residence (*Aufenthalt*)
• Schooling and education (*Bildung und Ausbildung*)
• Medical care (*Medizinische Versorgung*)
• Management of the child's assets (*Verwaltung des Kindesvermögens*)
• Legal representation (*Gesetzliche Vertretung*)

⚠️ The word only exists as das Sorgerecht (neuter). It is almost exclusively used in the singular because it describes a comprehensive legal concept.

🧐 Grammar under the microscope: Das Sorgerecht

The noun "Sorgerecht" is neuter and takes the article das. It is typically used only in the singular as it refers to an abstract legal concept.

Declension Singular

Note: The endings -(e)s in the Genitive and -(e) in the Dative are possible with "Sorgerecht", but the shorter form is more common.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Eltern teilen sich das Sorgerecht.
   (The parents share custody.)
2. Der Richter entschied über das Sorgerecht für das Kind.
   (The judge decided on the custody of the child.)
3. Fragen des Sorgerechts sind oft komplex.
   (Questions of custody are often complex.)
4. Mit dem Sorgerecht gehen viele Pflichten einher.
   (Many duties come with custody.)

🗣️ How "das Sorgerecht" is used

"Das Sorgerecht" is a standard term in legal language, especially in family law (*Familienrecht*). It's used when discussing the legal responsibility for children.

• Context: Court proceedings, divorces, acknowledgments of paternity, youth welfare office (*Jugendamt*), legal advice.
• Who uses it? Judges, lawyers, youth welfare officers, parents, affected individuals.
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish das Sorgerecht from das Umgangsrecht (visitation rights / right of contact). *Das Umgangsrecht* governs the personal contact of a parent (or other related persons) with the child, while *das Sorgerecht* involves broader legal responsibility.
• Variations: People often speak of gemeinsames Sorgerecht (joint custody) or alleiniges Sorgerecht (sole custody).

🧠 Mnemonics to remember

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of das Kind (the child). For das Kind, you need das Recht (the right) for Sorge (care) → das Sorgerecht.

2. Meaning Mnemonic: Who has the Recht (right - part of the word) to provide Sorge (care/concern - part of the word) for a child? → The one with das Sorgerecht.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms: Das Sorgerecht

Potential for Confusion

• Umgangsrecht: Regulates only contact/visitation, not the overall legal responsibility. (*Visitation rights*).
• Vormundschaft: Occurs when parents cannot exercise custody (e.g., after their death). A guardian (*Vormund*) then takes on similar responsibilities. (*Guardianship*).

😂 A little Joke

Warum streiten sich zwei Anwälte um das Sorgerecht für einen Keks?
Weil beide Krümel Recht haben wollen! 😉

Translation: Why are two lawyers fighting for custody of a cookie?
Because both crumbs (*Krümel*) want to be right (*Recht haben* - also means 'to have rights', and *Krümel Recht* sounds like 'crumb law' or 'trivial right').

✍️ Poem about Sorgerecht

Das Sorgerecht, ein ernstes Wort,
Verantwortung an jedem Ort.
Fürs Kindeswohl, bei Tag und Nacht,
Wird Recht gesprochen, wohlbedacht.
Es braucht viel Kraft, Geduld und Zeit,
Zu schützen, was Geborgenheit.

Translation:
Custody, a serious word,
Responsibility everywhere heard.
For the child's well-being, day and night,
Justice is spoken, considered right.
It takes much strength, patience, and time,
To protect what offers security sublime.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Recht, doch nicht zum Klagen,
Ich trag Verantwortung an allen Tagen.
Ich schütz das Kind, sein Hab und Gut,
Bin oft geteilt, mit Herz und Mut.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: das Sorgerecht

Translation:
I am a right, but not for complaining,
I bear responsibility all days remaining.
I protect the child, their belongings and wealth,
Am often shared, with heart and health (courage).

What am I?

Answer: das Sorgerecht (custody)

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

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

• Die Sorge: (Noun) Meaning here: care, looking after, responsibility, concern.
• Das Recht: (Noun) Meaning here: right, entitlement, law, legal regulation.

Together, the meaning is essentially "The right to care/provide care".

Cultural Significance:

Das Sorgerecht reflects societal views on parenthood and child welfare (*Kindeswohl*) and is a frequent subject of legal and social discussions, particularly in the context of separation and divorce.