der  Offenbarungseid

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɔfn̩baːʁʊŋsˌʔaɪ̯t/

📜 What does "der Offenbarungseid" mean?

Der Offenbarungseid (literally 'oath of disclosure' or 'revelation oath', often translated as Affidavit of Disclosure) was a declaration made under oath by a debtor (*Schuldner*) regarding their entire financial situation.

It was part of enforcement proceedings (*Zwangsvollstreckung*) when a debtor couldn't settle a claim (*Forderung*). The goal was to provide the creditor (*Gläubiger*) with a complete overview of the debtor's (lack of) assets (*Vermögen*).

⚠️ Important Note: The term Offenbarungseid is legally obsolete in Germany today. It was replaced in 2013 by the Vermögensauskunft nach § 802c ZPO (statement of assets). However, it's still sometimes used colloquially, often with a negative connotation implying bankruptcy or financial ruin.

🧐 Grammar: Declension of Offenbarungseid

Offenbarungseid is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

• Nach der Pleite seiner Firma musste der Unternehmer den Offenbarungseid leisten.
  (After his company went bankrupt, the entrepreneur had to make the affidavit of disclosure.)
• Der Gerichtsvollzieher forderte ihn zur Abgabe des Offenbarungseides auf.
  (The bailiff requested him to submit the affidavit of disclosure.)
• Die Angst vor dem Offenbarungseid war groß.
  (The fear of the affidavit of disclosure was great.)
• Informationen aus alten Offenbarungseiden sind heute Teil der Wirtschaftsgeschichte.
  (Information from old affidavits of disclosure is now part of economic history.)

🗣️ Usage Notes

The term Offenbarungseid is primarily used in legal (*juristisch*) and economic (*wirtschaftlich*) contexts, even though it's technically replaced by Vermögensauskunft today.

• Historical Context: Refers to the former procedure for disclosing assets in case of insolvency (*Zahlungsunfähigkeit*).
• Colloquial Use: Often used metaphorically as a synonym for a declaration of bankruptcy or an admission of complete destitution. It carries a strong negative connotation. Example: "Seine Rede war ein politischer Offenbarungseid." (meaning: *His speech was an admission of complete failure.*)
• Distinction: While the modern Vermögensauskunft serves a similar purpose, the procedure and legal framework have changed. The old term Offenbarungseid sounds more dramatic and final.

🧠 Mnemonics

Remembering the Article: An Eid (oath) feels like a strong, masculine concept in German law – hence der Eid. The Offenbarungseid is a specific type of oath, so it stays masculine: der Offenbarungseid.

Remembering the Meaning: You must make an Eid (oath) to offenbaren (reveal) everything you own (or don't own). It's a 'revelation oath' about your finances.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Although often used interchangeably, there are subtle legal differences between the historical Offenbarungseid and the modern Vermögensauskunft.

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Haben Sie schon einmal den Offenbarungseid geleistet?"
Angeklagter: "Nein, Herr Richter, aber ich habe schon mal versucht, meine Steuererklärung ehrlich auszufüllen – das kommt dem ziemlich nahe!"

Translation:
Judge: "Have you ever made the affidavit of disclosure?"
Defendant: "No, Your Honor, but I once tried to fill out my tax return honestly – that comes pretty close!"

📜 A Short Poem

Das Konto leer, die Kasse klamm,
der Gläubiger klopft, welch ein Drama.
Der Brief vom Amt, er liegt bereit,
fordert den Offenbarungseid.

Nichts zu verbergen, nichts zu holen,
die Taschen leer auf allen Sohlen.
Ein Eid bezeugt die bittre Not,
finanziell scheint alles tot.

Translation:
The account empty, the coffers tight,
the creditor knocks, what a plight.
The official letter lies in wait,
demanding the affidavit state.

Nothing to hide, nothing to gain,
empty pockets, soles feel the strain.
An oath attests the bitter need,
financially, all seems dead indeed.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Eid, doch nicht vor Gott allein,
ich zeige auf, wo nichts mehr scheint zu sein.
Wer Schulden hat und kann nicht zahlen,
muss mich oft leisten, mit all den Qualen.
Mein Name klingt nach Wahrheit, klar und rein,
doch meist bedeutet er: Dein Geld ist nicht mehr dein.

Was bin ich?
Lösung: Der Offenbarungseid

Translation:
I am an oath, but not to God alone,
I point out where nothing seems to be owned.
Those who have debts and cannot pay,
must often swear me, facing dismay.
My name sounds like truth, clear and bright,
but mostly means: Your money's out of sight.

What am I?
Solution: Der Offenbarungseid (The Affidavit of Disclosure)

🧩 More Details about Offenbarungseid

Word Composition

The word is composed of:

• Offenbarung: (Revelation, disclosure) The act of revealing, uncovering, showing something hidden.
• Eid: (Oath) A solemn promise or vow, often made before an authority (e.g., a court).

Together, it literally means an 'oath that reveals' – specifically, one's financial situation.

Historical Significance

Making the Offenbarungseid had significant social and legal consequences in Germany. Debtors often lost certain civil rights and were listed in 'debtor registries' (*Schuldnerlisten*), severely damaging their creditworthiness for a long time. The reform towards the Vermögensauskunft aimed to de-stigmatize and modernize the process.