der  Bundesgerichtshof

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəsɡəˌʁɪçtshoːf/

🏛️ What exactly is the Bundesgerichtshof?

The Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) is the highest court of the Federal Republic of Germany in the field of ordinary jurisdiction (civil and criminal law). It is located in Karlsruhe and makes final decisions on appeals (Revisionen) against judgments of the Higher Regional Courts (Oberlandesgerichte) and Regional Courts (Landgerichte).

It is a proper noun for an institution, which is grammatically masculine in German and therefore uses the article der. There are no other articles or meanings for this specific word.

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Bundesgerichtshof

The word "Bundesgerichtshof" is a masculine noun (der). It is generally only used in the singular as it refers to a specific institution.

Note: Both forms (-es and -s) are possible in the genitive, although "des Bundesgerichtshofs" is more common.

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Bundesgerichtshof hat das Urteil bestätigt.
  (The Federal Court of Justice confirmed the judgment.)
• Die Entscheidung des Bundesgerichtshofs war wegweisend.
  (The decision of the Federal Court of Justice was groundbreaking.)
• Der Fall wurde an den Bundesgerichtshof verwiesen.
  (The case was referred to the Federal Court of Justice.)
• Viele Juristen schauen auf die Urteile, die der Bundesgerichtshof fällt.
  (Many lawyers look at the judgments passed by the Federal Court of Justice.)

⚖️ Usage in Context

The term "Bundesgerichtshof" is primarily used in legal and political contexts. It appears in news reports, professional publications, and court decisions.

• Abbreviation: The abbreviation BGH is often used (e.g., "Das BGH-Urteil..." - The BGH ruling...).
• Function: It serves to maintain legal uniformity and develop the law in Germany.
• Distinction: It should not be confused with the Bundesverfassungsgericht (BVerfG), the Federal Constitutional Court responsible for constitutional matters, or the Bundesarbeitsgericht (BAG) (Federal Labour Court), Bundessozialgericht (BSG) (Federal Social Court), or Bundesfinanzhof (BFH) (Federal Fiscal Court), which are responsible for other areas of law.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: The word ends in Hof (courtyard, farmstead, court). Think of 'Hof' as masculine (der Hof). Imagine a distinguished gentleman ('der Mann') presiding over the court (Hof). So, it's der Bundesgerichtshof.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Bundes (Federal - for all of Germany) + Gericht (court - where justice is administered) + Hof (court - in the sense of a high instance/place). It's the highest court (Hof) of the Federation (Bund).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Terms

Be careful not to confuse it with other high courts, especially the Bundesverfassungsgericht, which has a different jurisdiction.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum gehen Anwälte so gerne zum Bundesgerichtshof nach Karlsruhe?

Antwort: Weil dort die Revision blüht! 😉

Translation:

Question: Why do lawyers love going to the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe?

Answer: Because that's where the 'Revision' (appeal on points of law) flourishes! 😉 (Pun: 'Revision' means appeal, but 'blühen' (to flourish/bloom) evokes the image of Karlsruhe's parks)

📜 A Poem about the Court

In Karlsruhe, stolz und klar,
Steht der Bundesgerichtshof, Jahr für Jahr.
Er prüft Urteile, streng und gerecht,
Wahrt im Land das gute Recht.
Letzte Instanz, für Straf- und Zivilsachen,
Lässt über Revisionen wachen.

Translation:

In Karlsruhe, proud and clear,
Stands the Bundesgerichtshof, year after year.
It reviews judgments, strict and just,
Upholds the good law, in which we trust.
Final instance, for criminal and civil cases,
Over appeals (Revisionen) it watches and paces.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich throne in Karlsruhe, nicht in Berlin,
Bin für Recht und Ordnung, nicht für Gewinn.
Urteile prüfe ich, bin die letzte Station,
Im Zivil- und Strafrecht kenn ich den Ton.
Mein Artikel ist 'der', mein Kürzel BGH,
Wer bin ich, na klar?

Lösung/Solution: Der Bundesgerichtshof

Translation:

I sit enthroned in Karlsruhe, not Berlin,
I'm for law and order, not for the win.
I review judgments, I am the last station,
In civil and criminal law, I know my vocation.
My article is 'der', my abbreviation BGH,
Who am I? Of course, it's...

Solution: The Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

• Location: The BGH is located in the former Hereditary Grand Ducal Palace (Erbgroßherzogliches Palais) in Karlsruhe.
• Word Composition: The word "Bundesgerichtshof" is composed of "Bund" (referring to the Federal Republic), "Gericht" (court of law), and "Hof" (historical term for high courts or princely seats).
• Significance: Its decisions often have fundamental importance and influence jurisprudence throughout Germany.