der  Gerichtstermin

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈrɪçtstɛʁmiːn/

🧑‍⚖️ What exactly is a 'Gerichtstermin'?

A Gerichtstermin (der, masculine) refers to a fixed point in time when a person (or several people) must appear in court. This can be for various purposes, such as a Verhandlung (hearing/trial), an Anhörung (hearing), taking evidence, or the pronouncement of a judgment.

The word is composed of:

• das Gericht: court (place of jurisdiction)
• der Termin: appointment / date

So, it's an official, binding appointment with a legal authority. Failure to appear (das Nichterscheinen) can have serious consequences (e.g., a fine, default judgment - Versäumnisurteil). ⚠️

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'der Gerichtstermin'

The word "Gerichtstermin" is a masculine noun (Maskulinum). Its article is "der". Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences 📜

1. Der Gerichtstermin wurde auf nächste Woche verschoben.
   (The court date was postponed until next week.)
2. Er erhielt eine Ladung zum Gerichtstermin.
   (He received a summons for the court date.)
3. Wegen eines wichtigen Gerichtstermins konnte sie nicht am Meeting teilnehmen.
   (Because of an important court appointment, she couldn't attend the meeting.)
4. Die Anwältin bereitete sich sorgfältig auf den Gerichtstermin vor.
   (The lawyer carefully prepared for the court hearing.)

When and how is 'Gerichtstermin' used? ⚖️

The term Gerichtstermin is mainly used in legal and official contexts. It's more specific than a general "Termin" (appointment).

• Context: Always related to court proceedings (Gerichtsverfahren), hearings (Anhörungen), summons (Ladungen) by a court or public prosecutor's office.
• Usage: One can haben (have), bekommen (get), verschieben (postpone), wahrnehmen (attend), or verpassen (miss) a Gerichtstermin.
• Distinction: A "Besprechungstermin" (meeting appointment) with a lawyer is not a Gerichtstermin, even if related to a court case. A Gerichtstermin always takes place before a judge or an official judicial body.
• Formality: The word carries a formal tone. Colloquially, people might just say "Termin bei Gericht" (appointment at court).

How to remember 'der Gerichtstermin'! 🧠

Mnemonic for the article (der):

Imagine: 'Der' judge (Der Richter) sets 'den' date (den Termin). Both German words share similar sounds or endings associated with masculinity in this context. Remember 'der Richter', remember 'der Termin'.

Mnemonic for the meaning:

A Gerichtstermin isn't an appointment to eat a dish ('Gericht' also means dish), but a serious appointment at the court ('Gericht'). So think: not fork & knife, but law book & judge! 🏛️👨‍⚖️

Similar and Opposing Terms 🔄

Related Terms (Careful, not synonyms!):

• Gerichtsverhandlung: The court hearing or trial itself, which might span one or more Gerichtstermine.
• Ladung: The official summons document requiring attendance at the Gerichtstermin.

A Little Joke 😄

Richter: "Hatten Sie zum Tatzeitpunkt einen Komplizen?"
Angeklagter: "Was ist ein Komplize?"
Richter: "Na, ein Helfer. Jemand, der mit Ihnen zusammen das Verbrechen begangen hat."
Angeklagter: "Ach so! Nein, Herr Richter, da war ich ganz allein. Beim Verbrechen kann man sich doch heutzutage auf niemanden mehr verlassen!"

--- Translation ---

Judge: "Did you have an accomplice at the time of the crime?"
Defendant: "What's an accomplice?"
Judge: "Well, a helper. Someone who committed the crime together with you."
Defendant: "Oh, I see! No, Your Honor, I was all alone. You really can't rely on anyone these days when committing a crime!"

Poem about the Court Date ✍️

Der Brief kam an, ganz offiziell,
Ein Datum drauf, da musst du schnell
Zum Amt, zum Haus mit strengem Blick,
Zum Gerichtstermin, kein Weg zurück.

Der Anwalt rät, bleib ruhig, klar,
Was immer auch geschieht, sei da.
Ein fester Zeitpunkt, Ort bekannt,
Im deutschen Recht, im ganzen Land.

--- Translation ---

The letter arrived, official mail,
A date was set, you must not fail
To go downtown, to face the court,
The Gerichtstermin, of last resort.

The lawyer says, stay calm and keen,
Whatever happens, must be seen.
A fixed appointment, place well-known,
In German law, on freedom's throne.

Little Riddle 🤔

Ich bin ein fester Zeitpunkt, oft gefürchtet, manchmal erhofft.
Ein Richter wartet, der Anwalt spricht,
Man trägt oft Anzug, selten schlicht.
Verpasst du mich, kann's teuer sein.
Was bin ich wohl, sag an, sei fein!

--- Translation ---

I am a fixed time, often feared, sometimes hoped for.
A judge awaits, the lawyer speaks,
People often wear suits, rarely casual chic.
If you miss me, it can be costly.
What am I, tell me now, honestly!

Solution: Der Gerichtstermin (the court date)

Trivia and Word Structure 🧩

Word Composition:

The word "Gerichtstermin" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• das Gericht (noun): Court / Institution of justice. The connecting element "-s-" (Fugen-s) is used.
• der Termin (noun): Appointment / date.

The gender of the compound noun is determined by the last word ("Termin" is masculine), hence "der Gerichtstermin".

Trivia:

Germany has various types of courts (e.g., Amtsgericht - local court, Landgericht - regional court, Oberlandesgericht - higher regional court, Bundesgerichtshof - Federal Court of Justice) for different areas of law (civil, criminal, administrative, etc.). A Gerichtstermin can take place at any of these instances.