der  Richterspruch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁɪçtɐʃpʁʊx/

⚖️ What Exactly is a Richterspruch?

Der Richterspruch (plural: die Richtersprüche) refers to the official, verbal or written decision of a judge or a court in a legal dispute. It is the verdict, judgment, or ruling made after examining the facts and applying the law.

Essentially, it signifies the pronouncement of the outcome of legal proceedings. The term often emphasizes the authority and finality of the judge's decision.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar in Detail: Der Richterspruch

The noun „Richterspruch“ is masculine. Its article is 'der'.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

• Der Richterspruch wurde mit Spannung erwartet.
  The judge's verdict was eagerly awaited.
• Nach langer Beratung verkündete der Richter seinen Richterspruch.
  After long deliberation, the judge announced his verdict.
• Dem Richterspruch ist Folge zu leisten.
  The judge's ruling must be obeyed.
• Die Presse berichtete ausführlich über den Richterspruch.
  The press reported extensively on the verdict.

🗣️ Usage in Context

The term „Richterspruch“ is primarily used in legal and formal language.

• It can be used synonymously with „Urteil“ (judgment) or „Gerichtsentscheidung“ (court decision), but sometimes emphasizes the act of pronouncement or the judge's authority more strongly.
• It is often found in news reports about court cases or in legal texts.
• In everyday language, „Urteil“ is more common.
• Example: „Der Richterspruch im Prozess gegen den Angeklagten fiel eindeutig aus.“ (The verdict in the trial against the defendant was clear.) vs. „Das Urteil war eindeutig.“ (The judgment was clear.)

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think: DER Richter (the judge - masculine) delivers the 'Spruch' (pronouncement). The male judge gives the masculine verdict.

Remembering the Meaning: A Richter (judge) makes a Spruch (saying, pronouncement) – that's his official decision in court.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Although „Urteil“ is often used synonymously, „Richterspruch“ can specifically emphasize the pronouncement or the judge's authority.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Gestehen Sie den Diebstahl des Fernsehers?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, Herr Richter! Ich wollte nur schnell die Nachrichten schauen und dann ist das Kabel am Fenster hängen geblieben..."

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Do you confess to stealing the television?"
The defendant replies: "No, Your Honor! I just wanted to quickly watch the news, and then the cable got stuck on the window..."

✍️ A Little Rhyme about the Richterspruch

Im Saale herrscht gespannte Ruh,
Der Richter hört genau nun zu.
Die Fakten klar, das Recht bereit,
Für Wahrheit ist es jetzt an der Zeit.
Dann fällt er, klar und ohne Zaudern,
Der Richterspruch, man hört ihn plaudern?
Nein, ernst und fest, wie es muss sein,
So schließt der Fall, ob groß, ob klein.

Translation:
In the hall, a tense silence holds,
The judge listens closely, as the story unfolds.
The facts are clear, the law prepared,
For truth, the moment now is shared.
Then it falls, clear and without delay,
The judge's verdict, does one hear him play?
No, serious and firm, as it must be,
Thus ends the case, for all to see.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme nach dem Streit, nach langer Debatte,
Beende den Kampf, die juristische Platte.
Ein Mann im Talar verkündet mich oft,
Mal leise erhofft, mal laut unverhofft.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I come after the argument, after long debate,
I end the fight, the legal slate.
A man in robes often announces me,
Sometimes quietly hoped for, sometimes loudly, unexpectedly.

What am I?

(Answer: der Richterspruch / the judge's verdict)

🧩 Word Composition and Trivia

The word „Richterspruch“ is a compound noun, composed of:

• Richter: The person who administers justice (judge).
• Spruch: Here in the sense of an official utterance, a pronouncement, or decision (similar to „Wahlspruch“ - motto or „Denkspruch“ - maxim).

It is a term deeply rooted in the German legal system, symbolizing the final decision-making power of the court.