der  Generalstaatsanwalt

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡeneʁaːlʃtaːtsˌanvalt/

🏛️ What does "der Generalstaatsanwalt" mean?

Der Generalstaatsanwalt is the German term for the Attorney General or Chief Public Prosecutor at a higher regional level (usually corresponding to an Oberlandesgericht - Higher Regional Court) or, at the federal level, the Generalbundesanwalt (Federal Attorney General at the Federal Court of Justice). This official heads the public prosecution office within their jurisdiction and supervises the public prosecutors in that area.

It is a masculine job title. The female form is die Generalstaatsanwältin.

🚨 Important: The exact role and title can vary slightly depending on the federal system (e.g., in Austria or Switzerland).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Generalstaatsanwalt

The word "Generalstaatsanwalt" is a masculine noun. It uses the article "der".

Example Sentences

• Der Generalstaatsanwalt leitete die Pressekonferenz. (The Attorney General led the press conference.)
• Die Entscheidung des Generalstaatsanwalts wurde erwartet. (The Attorney General's decision was awaited.)
• Man überreichte dem Generalstaatsanwalt die Akten. (The files were handed over to the Attorney General.)
• Sie trafen den Generalstaatsanwalt im Gerichtsgebäude. (They met the Attorney General in the courthouse.)
• Die Generalstaatsanwälte der Länder trafen sich zu einer Konferenz. (The Attorneys General of the states met for a conference.)

Context and Application: Using "der Generalstaatsanwalt"

The term Generalstaatsanwalt is used in legal and administrative contexts. It denotes a high-ranking position within the judiciary.

• Formal Language: The word belongs to official language (Amtssprache) and is used in official documents, news reports, and legal discussions.
• Hierarchy: Der Generalstaatsanwalt ranks above regular Staatsanwälte (public prosecutors) and Leitende Oberstaatsanwälte (senior public prosecutors) within their district. The Generalbundesanwalt is the highest federal prosecutor.
• Distinction: It should not be confused with a Verteidiger (defense attorney) or a Richter (judge). Der Generalstaatsanwalt is part of the prosecution authority.

🧠 How to Remember "der Generalstaatsanwalt"

Article Mnemonic: A General is typically a high-ranking male figure, so use der Generalstaatsanwalt. (Relates to traditional roles often being masculine).

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of a General (chief) of the Staatsanwälte (state attorneys). He leads the 'army' of prosecutors.

🔄 Related and Contrasting Terms

😄 A Little Chuckle

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie die Parkuhr aufgebrochen?"
Sagt der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, die Uhr schuldete mir noch zehn Minuten! Selbst der Generalstaatsanwalt würde da auf sein Recht pochen!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you break open the parking meter?"
The defendant says: "Your Honor, the meter still owed me ten minutes! Even the Attorney General would insist on his rights in that situation!"

✍️ A Little Poem

Der Generalstaatsanwalt, mit ernstem Blick,
Vertritt des Staates Recht, Stück für Stück.
Er wacht, dass Wahrheit wird ans Licht gebracht,
Hat über Recht und Ordnung stets gewacht.
Sein Wort hat Gewicht, sein Amt ist schwer,
Im Dienste der Justiz, Jahr für Jahr.

Translation:
The Attorney General, with a serious gaze,
Represents the state's law, in many ways.
He ensures that truth is brought to light,
Has always watched over law and right.
His word carries weight, his office is tough,
In service of justice, year after year, enough.

❓ Who am I?

Ich trage einen hohen Titel, doch kein Schwert,
Bin Chef der Ankläger, hochgeehrt.
Ich sorge für Recht im staatlichen Haus,
Und bringe Vergehen ans Tageslicht heraus.
Mein Artikel ist männlich, klar und rein.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I bear a high title, but no sword,
Am chief of prosecutors, highly adored (honored).
I ensure justice in the state's domain,
And bring offenses to light again.
My article is masculine, clear and fine.

Who am I?

Solution: der Generalstaatsanwalt (the Attorney General)

💡 Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word is composed of three parts:

• General: From Latin 'generalis' (general, comprehensive), here meaning 'chief' or 'leading'.
• Staat: Refers to the state, public authority, the commonwealth.
• Anwalt: Here meaning 'advocate' or 'representative', specifically the representative of the prosecution on behalf of the state.

Trivia:

In Germany, the Generalbundesanwalt at the Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice) is the highest federal prosecutor. The Generalstaatsanwälte of the federal states (Länder) are responsible for the districts of the Oberlandesgerichte (Higher Regional Courts).