der  Anwalt

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanˌvalt/

🏛️ What does "der Anwalt" mean?

Der Anwalt (plural: die Anwälte) refers to a male person who has studied law, is admitted to the bar (Rechtsanwaltschaft), and professionally provides legal advice (Rechtsrat) and represents clients (Mandanten) in and out of court. He is a legal representative or counsel.

• Meaning: Lawyer, attorney, barrister, or solicitor who advises and represents clients legally.
• Article: Always der, as it is a male job title.
• Feminine Form: The female form is die Anwältin (plural: die Anwältinnen).

⚠️ Attention: Not every Jurist (person with a law degree) is an Anwalt. A Jurist has studied law, but only a licensed Jurist may practice as an Anwalt.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension of "Anwalt"

"Der Anwalt" is a masculine noun. It belongs to the weak N-declension (schwache N-Deklination). This means it takes the ending "-en" in the genitive, dative, and accusative cases in the singular, and in the dative plural. Note: The other plural forms take '-e'.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

🚨 Note on Plural Formation: The plural of "Anwalt" is "Anwälte". The N-declension ending applies only to the singular cases (except nominative) and the dative plural!

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Anwalt prüft die Verträge sorgfältig. (The lawyer carefully checks the contracts.)
2. Die Kanzlei des Anwalten befindet sich im Stadtzentrum. (The lawyer's office is located in the city center.)
3. Ich habe dem Anwalten alle Unterlagen übergeben. (I handed all documents over to the lawyer.)
4. Wir müssen den Anwalten sofort kontaktieren. (We must contact the lawyer immediately.)
5. Die Anwälte beraten sich über das weitere Vorgehen. (The lawyers are consulting on the next steps.)
6. Die Argumente der Anwälte waren überzeugend. (The lawyers' arguments were convincing.)
7. Das Gericht hörte den Anwälten aufmerksam zu. (The court listened attentively to the lawyers.)
8. Der Richter befragte die Anwälte beider Parteien. (The judge questioned the lawyers of both parties.)

💡 Usage in Context

The term "Anwalt" is used in legal and everyday language to refer to a legal representative.

• Typical situations: You need an Anwalt for legal disputes (Rechtsstreitigkeiten), contract reviews (Vertragsprüfungen), company formations (Firmengründungen), divorces (Scheidungen), criminal proceedings (Strafverfahren), etc.
• Specializations: Often, the field of specialization is mentioned, e.g., "Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht" (specialist lawyer for labor law), "Strafverteidiger" (criminal defense lawyer, a type of Anwalt), "Familienanwalt" (family lawyer).
• Difference from "Jurist": A Jurist has studied law but is not necessarily admitted to the bar as an Anwalt (they could also be a judge (Richter), prosecutor (Staatsanwalt), or work in administration).
• Difference from "Staatsanwalt": The Staatsanwalt (public prosecutor) represents the prosecution on behalf of the state in criminal cases, whereas the Anwalt (often as Verteidiger - defense lawyer) represents the interests of the accused.
• "Rechtsanwalt": Often used synonymously with "Anwalt", emphasizing the admission to the bar (Rechtsanwaltschaft).

🧠 Memory Aids

For the article "der"

Think: He's the MAN who WALTzes in to defend you - der Anwalt. (It's a male profession, typically 'der' in German). Or: He is waiting ('wartet') to act on ('an') your behalf. Der Anwart.

For the meaning

An Anwalt acts AN (on) behalf of someone, using his authority/power (often associated with the old meaning of 'walten' - to rule, administer, manage). He manages your legal affairs.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms (similar meaning):

• Rechtsanwalt: Very common synonym, often used as a more formal term for 'lawyer admitted to the bar'.
• Jurist: General term for someone with a law degree (not every Jurist is an Anwalt).
• Verteidiger: Defense attorney/lawyer, specifically in criminal law.
• Rechtsbeistand: General term for legal counsel or advisor (usually an Anwalt).
• Advokat: Somewhat dated but still understandable synonym for lawyer.

Antonyms (opposite meaning in context):

• Gegenanwalt / Anwalt der Gegenseite: The opposing counsel / lawyer for the other side in a legal dispute.
• Staatsanwalt: Public prosecutor (opponent of the Verteidiger in criminal trials).
• Richter: Judge (decides the case, is neutral, not a party representative).
• Mandant/Klient: The client represented by the Anwalt.

⚠️ Potential Confusion: Do not confuse with "Notar" (notary, who certifies documents) or "Richter" (judge, who passes sentences).

😄 A Little Chuckle

Richter zum Angeklagten: "Wollen Sie einen Anwalt?"
Angeklagter: "Nein danke, Herr Richter. Ich möchte lieber einen Zeugen, der die Wahrheit sagt!"

Translation:
Judge to the defendant: "Do you want a lawyer (Anwalt)?"
Defendant: "No thank you, Your Honor. I'd rather have a witness who tells the truth!"

📜 Poetic Thoughts on the Anwalt

Paragraphen, dick wie Mauern,
Wo Gesetze lauern.
Der Anwalt kennt den Weg genau,
Macht aus Grau ein klares Blau.
Mit Akten unterm Arm,
Kämpft er mit Charme,
Für Recht und für den Klienten,
Mit klugen Argumenten.

Translation:
Paragraphs, thick as walls,
Where laws lie in wait.
The lawyer (Der Anwalt) knows the path precisely,
Turns grey into clear blue.
With files under his arm,
He fights with charm,
For justice and for the client,
With clever arguments.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich trage oft Krawatte, selten einen Hut,
Kenne das Gesetzbuch, das tut mir gut.
Ich spreche für andere, vor Gericht mein Stand,
Vertrete Interessen im ganzen Land.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I often wear a tie, rarely a hat,
I know the law book, which serves me well.
I speak for others, in court is my stand,
Representing interests throughout the land.

Who am I?

Answer: Der Anwalt (The Lawyer)

🧩 Other Information

• Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The word "Anwalt" derives from the Middle High German "anewalte" or "anwalte", meaning 'administrator', 'authorized representative', or 'trustee'. It describes someone who acts for another or manages ('walten') their affairs.
• Feminine Form: As mentioned, the correct female form is "die Anwältin".
• Form of Address (Anrede): Typically, an Anwalt is addressed as "Herr Rechtsanwalt [Last Name]" or simply "Herr [Last Name]". The female form is "Frau Rechtsanwältin [Last Name]" or "Frau [Last Name]".