der  Untersuchungsausschuss

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʊntɐˈzʊxʊŋsˌaʊ̯sˌʃʊs/

🏛️ What Exactly Is an 'Untersuchungsausschuss'?

An Untersuchungsausschuss is a committee, usually appointed by a parliament (like the German Bundestag or a state parliament, Landtag), to investigate specific events, grievances, or scandals. Its task is to shed light on a situation through questioning witnesses (Zeugenbefragungen), studying files (Aktenstudium), and other investigative methods.

It often has extensive powers, similar to a court, to gather evidence (Beweise). The result is usually a report (Bericht) to the parliament.

The article is always der, because 'Ausschuss' (committee) is a masculine noun (der Ausschuss).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Untersuchungsausschuss

The word Untersuchungsausschuss is a masculine noun. It is declined as follows:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Bundestag setzte einen Untersuchungsausschuss zur Aufklärung der Affäre ein.
   (The Bundestag established a committee of inquiry to clarify the affair.)
2. Die Arbeit des Untersuchungsausschusses dauerte mehrere Monate.
   (The work of the committee of inquiry lasted several months.)
3. Zeugen wurden vor dem Untersuchungsausschuss befragt.
   (Witnesses were questioned before the committee of inquiry.)
4. Die Opposition forderte vehement den Untersuchungsausschuss.
   (The opposition vehemently demanded the committee of inquiry.)
5. Mehrere Untersuchungsausschüsse tagten parallel zu verschiedenen Themen.
   (Several committees of inquiry met in parallel on different topics.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

The term Untersuchungsausschuss is used almost exclusively in political and legal contexts. It designates a specific parliamentary instrument.

• Typical Use Cases: For political scandals, suspected legal violations by government members or authorities, or to investigate complex issues of public interest (e.g., failures in major projects).
• Distinction: An Untersuchungsausschuss is not a court, even if it uses similar methods. Its goal is political clarification and control, not criminal conviction. It also differs from a simple Enquete-Kommission (committee of inquiry/study commission), which has more of an advisory function.
• Connotation: Establishing an Untersuchungsausschuss often signals a serious crisis or grave suspicion.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think of der Ausschuss (the committee). Just like 'the boss' (masculine) often leads an investigation, it's der Untersuchungsausschuss. 'Ausschuss' itself is masculine.

Remembering the Meaning: Imagine a committee (Ausschuss) doing a deep search ('such' is part of Untersuchung - investigation). They are 'under-searching' (unter-suchen) something critical.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Ausschuss: General term for a committee or board, not necessarily with an investigative mandate.
• Untersuchung: The act of investigating itself, not the committee.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Abgeordneter den anderen: „Warum dauert der Untersuchungsausschuss schon wieder so lange?“
Antwortet der andere: „Sie untersuchen noch, wer den Kaffee für die letzte Sitzung bestellt hat – das ist offenbar die komplexeste Frage!“

(One MP asks another: "Why is the committee of inquiry taking so long again?"
The other replies: "They're still investigating who ordered the coffee for the last meeting – apparently, that's the most complex question!")

📜 Poem about the Committee

Ein Gremium, ernst und sehr bedacht,
hat sich zur Prüfung aufgemacht.
Der Untersuchungsausschuss tagt,
hat viele Fragen aufgesagt.

Zeugen kommen, Akten schwer,
die Wahrheit finden, ist nicht leer
von Mühe, Zeit und manchem Streit,
für Klarheit in der Dunkelheit.

(A committee, serious and very thoughtful,
Has set out to investigate.
The committee of inquiry convenes,
Has asked many questions.

Witnesses come, files are heavy,
Finding the truth is not devoid
Of effort, time, and many a dispute,
For clarity in the darkness.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich werde vom Parlament bestellt,
wenn Zweifel oder Skandal sich gesellt.
Ich frage Zeugen, prüfe Schriften,
um dunkle Taten aufzulichten.
Mein Name ist lang, mein Ziel ist klar,
ich bin der ...?

(I am appointed by parliament,
When doubt or scandal is sent.
I question witnesses, examine writings,
To bring dark deeds to light.
My name is long, my goal is clear,
I am the ...?)

(... Untersuchungsausschuss / committee of inquiry)

🧩 Other Interesting Details about Untersuchungsausschuss

Word Composition

The word is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from:

• Die Untersuchung: The investigation, examination.
• Der Ausschuss: The committee, board.

Together, they signify a committee that conducts an investigation.

Trivia

Untersuchungsausschüsse are a crucial instrument of parliamentary control over the government and administration in Germany. They are enshrined in the Basic Law (Grundgesetz, Article 44 GG), highlighting their importance.