der  Passus

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpasʊs/

📖 What does 'der Passus' mean?

The German noun der Passus (from Latin passus meaning “step”, transferred meaning “section”) mainly refers to:

• A section or passage in a written text (e.g., book, article, letter). This is the most common meaning.
• A clause or specific section in a contract, law, or other formal document.
• Less commonly, a stage or phase in a process or development (rather elevated language).

It's a word typically found in formal, written, or academic language contexts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Passus

'Passus' is a masculine noun. It originates from Latin and partially retains its declension patterns, especially in the genitive singular and the plural.

Singular Declension

🚨 Attention: The genitive singular is usually des Passus; the form des Passusses is rarer and sometimes considered less elegant.

Plural Declension

⚠️ Note: In standard German, the plural usually remains unchanged: die Passus. The Latin plural form Passūs (with a long 'u') is rarely used and can seem pedantic. The Latin dative plural Passibus is extremely rare.

Example Sentences

1. Dieser Passus im Vertrag ist besonders wichtig für uns.
   (This clause/passage in the contract is particularly important for us.)
2. Kannst du mir den relevanten Passus im Text markieren?
   (Can you highlight the relevant passage in the text for me?)
3. Der Autor widmet diesem Thema einen ganzen Passus in seinem neuen Buch.
   (The author dedicates an entire passage to this topic in his new book.)
4. Die Auslegung dieses Passus (Genitiv) führte zu langen Diskussionen.
   (The interpretation of this passage led to long discussions.)
5. Wir müssen uns auf die strittigen Passus (Plural) im Gesetzesentwurf konzentrieren.
   (We need to concentrate on the contentious passages in the draft law.)

✍️ How to use 'der Passus'?

The term 'Passus' is mainly used in formal contexts. Here are some typical use cases:

• Literary Studies/Text Analysis: When discussing specific sections or passages in literary works.
  Example: „Der kritische Passus findet sich am Ende des zweiten Kapitels.“ (The critical passage is found at the end of the second chapter.)
• Law/Contracts: To refer to clauses, paragraphs, or specific sections in legal documents.
  Example: „Bitte prüfen Sie den Passus zur Haftungsbeschränkung genau.“ (Please check the clause regarding limitation of liability carefully.)
• Science/Academia: In academic papers or discussions to refer to specific text passages.
  Example: „Dieser Passus in Kants Werk ist oft interpretiert worden.“ (This passage in Kant's work has often been interpreted.)
• Elevated Written Language: Generally as a synonym for „Abschnitt“ (section) or „Stelle“ (spot, place) in a more formal or educated context.

In everyday language, words like Abschnitt (section), Stelle (passage, spot), Teil (part), or Paragraph (for laws/contracts) are much more common and sound more natural. 'Passus' can sometimes seem a bit stiff or scholarly.

Distinction from similar words:

• Abschnitt: General term for a part of a text or also a period of time. More neutral than Passus.
• Stelle: Often refers to a shorter, specific point in the text.
• Klausel: Specifically a particular (often restrictive or conditional) sentence or paragraph in a contract or set of rules.
• Paragraph (§): Formal structural unit in laws, contracts, etc.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic (der): Think that a Passus is der important Abschnitt (the section). Remembering 'der Abschnitt' helps you remember 'der Passus'. Alternatively, imagine a male lawyer ('der Anwalt') pointing at der Passus in a contract.

Meaning Mnemonic (passage/clause): The English word "passage" sounds very similar to Passus. Imagine you are passing through a text ("passage") and stop at an important Passus (section/passage).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but Misleading Words

• Kompass: Navigation instrument (sounds vaguely similar).
• Passe: Past tense of 'passen' (to fit) or adjective 'outdated'.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Jurastudent seinen Professor: "Herr Professor, ist dieser Passus im BGB wirklich eindeutig?"
Antwortet der Professor: "Junger Mann, im Jurastudium lernen Sie vor allem eines: Nichts ist eindeutig, außer dem Passus, der besagt, dass nichts eindeutig ist."

Translation:
A law student asks his professor: "Professor, is this passage in the Civil Code really unambiguous?"
The professor replies: "Young man, in law school you learn one thing above all: Nothing is unambiguous, except for the passage that states that nothing is unambiguous."

📜 A Little Rhyme

Im Text, ob alt, ob neu,
find'st du ihn, sei nicht scheu.
Ein Abschnitt, klar und rein,
der Passus, das muss sein.
Mal im Gesetz, mal im Gedicht,
er gibt dem Inhalt oft Gewicht.

Translation:
In text, whether old or new,
you'll find it, don't be shy, it's true.
A section, clear and pure,
der Passus, that must endure.
Sometimes in law, sometimes in rhyme,
it often gives content its prime.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Teil, doch nie das Ganze,
steh' im Vertrag, im Buch, im Romanze.
Juristen lieben mich, Autoren auch,
ich bring Struktur in jeden Bauch
von Texten, lang und oft komplex.
Ich bin ein ...?

Translation:
I am a part, but never the whole,
I stand in the contract, the book, the story told.
Lawyers love me, authors too,
I bring structure to the belly through
Of texts, long and often complex.
I am a...?

Solution: der Passus

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word 'Passus' comes directly from Latin. Passus originally meant “step” or “pace” (as a unit of length). Later, the transferred meaning “section” or “passage” in a text developed, presumably because one “steps” from one point to the next while reading.

Usage in other languages:

English also has the word "passage" with a similar meaning (text section). The Latin heritage is visible in many European languages.