das  Testament

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tasˈtament/

📜 What exactly is a Testament?

The German word das Testament primarily has two meanings:

• Legal ⚖️: The most common meaning is a written declaration by a person stating what should happen to their assets after their death. It's a legal document, also known as Letzter Wille (last will). Example: Er hat sein Testament beim Notar hinterlegt. (He deposited his will with the notary.)
• Religious ✝️: It also refers to one of the two main parts of the Bible: the Altes Testament (Old Testament) and the Neues Testament (New Testament). Example: Im Religionsunterricht lesen wir aus dem Neuen Testament. (In religious education class, we read from the New Testament.)

It's important to infer the intended meaning from the context. Since both meanings use the article "das", there's no confusion regarding the article itself.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Testament"

The noun "Testament" is neuter and uses the article das. It declines as follows:

Example Sentences for Grammar

1. Das Testament wurde gestern eröffnet.
   (The will was opened yesterday.)
2. Der Inhalt des Testamentes überraschte alle Erben.
   (The content of the will surprised all the heirs.)
3. Wir müssen uns nach dem Testament richten.
   (We must act according to the will.)
4. Sie hat ihr Testament noch nicht geschrieben.
   (She hasn't written her will yet.)
5. Die alten Testamente wurden im Archiv gefunden.
   (The old testaments/wills were found in the archive.)
6. Die Echtheit der Testamente wird geprüft.
   (The authenticity of the testaments/wills is being checked.)

💡 How to use "das Testament"?

• In a legal context: Used when discussing inheritance, estate planning, and legal arrangements for after death. Often associated with terms like Notar (notary), Erbe (heir), vererben (to bequeath), Nachlass (estate). Example: Ohne gültiges Testament tritt die gesetzliche Erbfolge ein. (Without a valid will, statutory succession takes effect.)
• In a religious context: Used specifically for the parts of the Bible. Example: Die Evangelien stehen im Neuen Testament. (The Gospels are in the New Testament.)
• Distinction from "Letzter Wille": While Testament is the formal legal term, Letzter Wille (last will) can be slightly more general and may include verbal or less formal wishes, but often refers synonymously to the testament. However, das Testament always denotes a specific document.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Testament"

For the article "das": Think of "das Dokument". Many words ending in "-ment" borrowed from Latin are neuter in German (das Argument, das Instrument, das Dokument, das Testament).

For the meaning: Imagine someone leaving you their entire assortment (das Sortiment) of treasures in their Testament. Or think of the Bible: Das Buch (the book) of books has das Alte Testament and das Neue Testament. The 's' sound in 'das' connects.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words

• Testat (das): An audit certificate or opinion, often from accountants. Nothing to do with inheritance.

😄 A little joke

Fragt der Notar den reichen, alten Mann: "Haben Sie schon Ihr Testament gemacht?"
Antwortet der Mann: "Nein, ich warte noch auf die Schlussszene!"

Translation:
The notary asks the rich old man: "Have you made your will yet?"
The man replies: "No, I'm still waiting for the final scene!"

✍️ A Poem about the Testament

Auf Papier, mit Tinte fein,
soll mein letzter Wille sein.
Das Testament, wohlbedacht,
wer was erbt, hab' ich gemacht.
Ein Dokument, klar und echt,
regelt Erbe und Vermächtnisrecht.
Ob Altes oder Neues spricht,
es weist den Weg, gibt Zuversicht.

Translation:
On paper, with fine ink,
shall my last will be.
The testament, well-considered,
who inherits what, I have decided.
A document, clear and real,
governs inheritance and legacy law.
Whether Old or New it speaks,
it shows the way, gives confidence.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich spreche, wenn der Mund längst schweigt,
und zeige auf, wem was verbleibt.
Ich bin Papier, doch voller Macht,
hab' über Hab und Gut gewacht.
In Kirchen werd' ich oft zitiert,
als Teil der Schrift, die inspiriert.

Was bin ich?
... Das Testament

Translation:
I speak when the mouth has long been silent,
and show who gets what remains.
I am paper, yet full of power,
I have watched over possessions.
In churches, I am often quoted,
as part of the scripture that inspires.

What am I?
... The Testament / Will

🌐 Other Information

Etymology: The word "Testament" comes from the Latin word testamentum, which in turn derives from testari ("to testify", "to call as witness"). Originally, it referred to a declaration of will made before witnesses.

Compound Words: There are several German compound words involving Testament, such as:

• die Testamentseröffnung: The act of officially reading or revealing the contents of the will after death.
• der Testamentsvollstrecker: The executor of a will, a person appointed to carry out the deceased's wishes according to the testament.
• die Testamentsfälschung: Forgery of a will, the criminal act of altering or creating a false testament.