das  Tierschutzgesetz

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtiːɐ̯ˌʃʊtsɡəˌzɛts/

📜 What does "das Tierschutzgesetz" mean?

Das Tierschutzgesetz (often abbreviated as TierSchG) is the German Federal Animal Welfare Act. It's a law that regulates the protection of the lives and well-being of animals. It specifies how animals may be kept, treated, transported, and killed, and penalizes certain actions such as animal cruelty (Tierquälerei).

It's a compound noun made up of:

• Tier (animal)
• Schutz (protection)
• Gesetz (law)

The article is das (the, neuter) because the core noun 'Gesetz' is neuter (das Gesetz - the law). There's only this one meaning and this one article for the word.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Tierschutzgesetz

"Tierschutzgesetz" is a neuter noun. The definite article is always das.

Example Sentences

1. Das Tierschutzgesetz verbietet Tierquälerei.
   (The Animal Welfare Act forbids animal cruelty.)
2. Die Organisation beruft sich auf das Tierschutzgesetz.
   (The organization refers to the Animal Welfare Act.)
3. Änderungen an dem Tierschutzgesetz werden diskutiert.
   (Changes to the Animal Welfare Act are being discussed.)
4. Die Einhaltung des Tierschutzgesetzes wird kontrolliert.
   (Compliance with the Animal Welfare Act is monitored.)
5. Es gibt auch in anderen Ländern ähnliche Tierschutzgesetze.
   (There are similar animal welfare laws in other countries too.)

💡 How to Use "das Tierschutzgesetz"

The term das Tierschutzgesetz is primarily used in formal, legal, and political contexts. You'll encounter it in:

• Legal texts and juridical discussions (Gesetzestexte, juristische Diskussionen)
• News articles about animal rights or animal husbandry (Tierrechte, Tierhaltung)
• Debates about ethics in animal keeping and research (Ethik, Tierhaltung, Forschung)
• Information from animal welfare organizations (Tierschutzorganisationen)

In everyday conversation, people might speak more generally about "Tierschutz" (animal welfare) or "Regeln für Tierhaltung" (rules for keeping animals). However, when referring to the specific legal basis, "das Tierschutzgesetz" is the correct and common term. The abbreviation TierSchG is also very common, especially in writing.

⚠️ Don't confuse it with "Tierrecht" (animal law/rights, a broader concept) or more specific regulations (e.g., Tierschutz-Nutztierhaltungsverordnung - Animal Welfare Ordinance for Farm Animals).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the core word: It's ALWAYS "das Gesetz" (the law). No matter how many words come before it (Tier, Schutz), the last word determines the article. So: das Tierschutzgesetz.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: A Gesetz (law, neuter: das) for the Schutz (protection, masculine: der) of Tiere (animals, plural: die). Tier + Schutz + Gesetz = A law for the protection of animals.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Warum haben Sie den Goldfisch gequält?"
Angeklagter: "Aber Herr Richter, das war doch Notwehr! Er hat mich böse angeglotzt!"
Richter: "Trotzdem ein klarer Verstoß gegen das Tierschutzgesetz!"

Translation:
Judge: "Why did you torture the goldfish?"
Defendant: "But Your Honor, it was self-defense! He gave me a nasty look!"
Judge: "Nevertheless, a clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act!" 🐟⚖️

✍️ A Poem about the Law

Ein Buchstabe, ein Paragraph, ein Sinn,
für Tiere, die schutzlos sind mittendrin.
Das Tierschutzgesetz, mit Bedacht gemacht,
dass Leid und Qual ein Ende hat.
Es wacht über Hund, Katze, Maus,
und schickt Respekt ins weite Haus.
Ein Appell an Herz und Verstand,
für jedes Wesen hier im Land.

Translation:
A letter, a paragraph, a sense,
for animals, defenseless in the midst.
The Animal Welfare Act, carefully made,
so suffering and torment may fade.
It watches over dog, cat, mouse,
and sends respect throughout the house.
An appeal to heart and mind,
for every creature of this kind.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Text, vom Staat gemacht,
hab über Tiere stets gewacht.
Ich sag', was darf und was verboten,
zum Schutz der Schwachen, oft Bedrohten.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, klar,
wer bin ich wohl? Rat' wunderbar!

Translation:
I am a text, made by the state,
I've always watched over animals' fate.
I say what's allowed and what is banned,
to protect the weak, often threatened in the land.
My article is neuter, that's clear,
who am I then? Guess, my dear!

Solution: Das Tierschutzgesetz (The Animal Welfare Act)

🐾 Other Interesting Facts

• Word Composition: As mentioned, the word is composed of "Tier" (animal) + "Schutz" (protection) + "Gesetz" (law). This formation of long, precise compound nouns is typical for the German language.
• Importance in Germany: Das Tierschutzgesetz holds significant importance in Germany. Animal welfare (Tierschutz) has been enshrined as a state objective in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz, Article 20a GG) since 2002.
• First Version: The first comprehensive Reich Animal Welfare Act (Reichstierschutzgesetz) came into effect as early as 1933, but was replaced after the war by the current Tierschutzgesetz of 1972 (with numerous subsequent amendments).