der  Notar

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnoːtaːɐ̯/

📜 What exactly is a Notar?

A Notar (plural: die Notare) is a lawyer or legal professional in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany and Austria, who is authorized to perform certain legal formalities, especially to draw up or certify contracts, deeds, and other documents for use in other jurisdictions (Beurkundung) and to authenticate signatures (Beglaubigung).

Key characteristics:

• Impartiality: Unlike a regular lawyer (Rechtsanwalt), a Notar must be impartial and advise all parties involved.
• Public office: They hold a public office and perform sovereign functions.
• Common tasks: Handling real estate transactions (Grundstückskaufverträge), wills (Testamente), prenuptial agreements (Eheverträge), and company formations (Gesellschaftsverträge).

🚨 Important: The word Notar is always masculine, so the article is always der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Der Notar in Detail

The noun „Notar“ is masculine. It follows the n-declension pattern in the plural and sometimes in the dative/accusative singular (though this is less common now for 'Notar'), but importantly, the genitive singular usually takes an '-s' (des Notars). 'Des Notaren' is considered archaic.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Notar beurkundete den Kaufvertrag für das Haus.
   (The notary certified the purchase agreement for the house.)
2. Die Unterschrift wurde von dem Notar beglaubigt.
   (The signature was authenticated by the notary.)
3. Wir benötigen die Dienste eines Notars für das Testament.
   (We need the services of a notary for the will.)
4. Die Kanzlei beschäftigt mehrere Notare.
   (The law firm employs several notaries.)
5. Die Gebühren des Notars waren unerwartet hoch.
   (The notary's fees were unexpectedly high.)

💡 How is 'der Notar' used?

The term „Notar“ is primarily used in legal and business contexts in German-speaking countries. It denotes a specific professional role with official powers for certification and authentication.

• Contexts: Legal system (Rechtswesen), real estate transactions (Immobilienhandel), inheritance law (Erbrecht), corporate law (Gesellschaftsrecht), administration (Verwaltung).
• Usage: People talk about „zum Notar gehen“ (going to the notary), „einen Notar beauftragen“ (appointing a notary), „die notarielle Beurkundung“ (the notarial certification).
• Distinction: A Notar is not the same as a Rechtsanwalt (lawyer/attorney), although many Notare are also lawyers (Anwaltsnotar). The Notar must remain neutral, whereas the Rechtsanwalt represents the interests of one party. The role and requirements differ significantly from a 'notary public' in common law systems like the US or UK.
• Feminine form: The female equivalent is „die Notarin“.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the important man, der Mann, who notarizes documents. He's der Notar. The 'r' at the end helps link it to 'der'.

Meaning Mnemonic: When you have important documents and are in dire Not (need/distress), you go to der Notar to get them authenticated. He brings order (tar-iff?) to your papers.

🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms

Related Terms:

• Notariat: The notary's office or practice.
• Notarin: The female notary.
• Notariell: The adjective (e.g., notarielle Urkunde - notarized document).
• Beglaubigung: Authentication (of a signature, copy, etc.).
• Beurkundung: Certification/notarization (of a legal act, contract, etc.).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum gehen Skelette nie zum Notar?

(Why do skeletons never go to the notary?)

Weil sie niemanden haben, dem sie etwas vererben können!

(Because they have no body to leave it to!)

✍️ A Poem about the Notar

Mit Siegel, Stift und ernstem Blick,
schafft der Notar das Rechtsgeschick.
Er beurkundet Haus und Land,
reicht dazu die neutrale Hand.
Ob Testament, ob Vertrag,
er sorgt für Ordnung, Tag für Tag.

Translation:
With seal, pen, and a serious gaze,
the notary shapes legal ways.
He certifies house and land,
offering a neutral hand.
Whether will or contract bright,
he ensures order, day and night.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich trage oft Schwarz, doch richte nicht.
Ich schreibe viel, doch dichte nicht.
Mein Siegel macht Verträge wahr,
ich bin stets neutral, das ist klar.
Wer bin ich, mit juristischem Flair?

Translation:
I often wear black, but do not judge.
I write a lot, but do not compose poetry.
My seal makes contracts true,
I am always neutral, it's clear to you.
Who am I, with a legal flair?

Answer: Der Notar (The Notary)

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Word Origin: The word „Notar“ comes from the Latin word notārius, which originally meant 'clerk' or 'shorthand writer'.
• Profession: In Germany, the Notariat is a public office. Depending on the federal state, there are Nur-Notare (full-time notaries) and Anwaltsnotare (lawyers who are also appointed as notaries).
• Female Form: Die Notarin (plural: die Notarinnen).
• Important Distinction: The role of a German Notar is significantly different and involves more legal responsibilities than a 'notary public' in the US or UK, who primarily witnesses signatures.