der  Wortlaut

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɔʁtˌlaʊt/

📜 What Exactly is 'der Wortlaut'?

The German noun der Wortlaut refers to the exact, unchanged wording or phrasing of a text, statement, law, or contract. It's not about the meaning or interpretation, but about the precise words as they were written or spoken.

Imagine you are quoting someone – you are reproducing the exact Wortlaut. ⚖️ In legal or official contexts, the precise Wortlaut is often crucial.

There is only one article: der Wortlaut (masculine).

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Der Wortlaut

The noun „Wortlaut“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Note: The genitive singular can be formed with or without an 'e' („des Wortlauts“ or „des Wortlautes“). The same applies to the dative singular („dem Wortlaut“ or „dem Wortlaute“), although the forms without 'e' are more common.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der genaue Wortlaut des Vertrages ist entscheidend. (The exact wording of the contract is crucial.)
2. Wir müssen uns strikt an den Wortlaut des Gesetzes halten. (We must strictly adhere to the wording of the law.)
3. Der Richter zitierte den Wortlaut der Zeugenaussage. (The judge quoted the exact wording of the witness statement.)
4. Ich kenne den Wortlaut seiner Rede nicht auswendig. (I don't know the exact wording of his speech by heart.)

🗣️ How 'der Wortlaut' is Used

„Der Wortlaut“ is mainly used in formal language, especially when precision is important:

• Law & Administration: For Gesetze (laws), Verordnungen (regulations), Verträge (contracts), Urteile (judgments), or official letters, the exact Wortlaut is often binding.
• Quotations: When quoting a source directly, you reproduce its Wortlaut.
• Science & Research: When analyzing texts or presenting research findings, the precise Wortlaut is important.

Distinction from similar words:

• Text: A general term for a written statement. The Wortlaut is the specific phrasing within a text.
• Formulierung: Refers to the way something is expressed, but can also be a paraphrase. The Wortlaut is always the exact version.
• Inhalt/Sinn: Refers to the meaning or the message, not the specific words.

People often speak of the „genauen Wortlaut“ (exact wording) or „buchstäblichen Wortlaut“ (literal wording) to emphasize precision.

🧠 Mnemonics for Wortlaut

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'the sound' (der Laut). The Wortlaut has to do with the 'sound' or specific form of the words, so it's der Wortlaut.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Wort (word) has a specific Laut (sound/form). The Wortlaut is exactly what you hear (or read) – word for word, sound for sound. No deviation!

↔️ Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Words like „Text“ or „Aussage“ (statement) are broader and not always exact synonyms.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Anwalt seinen Mandanten: „Können Sie sich an den genauen Wortlaut der Beleidigung erinnern?“
Mandant: „Nicht ganz genau, aber ich bin mir sicher, dass meine Mutter darin nicht als Hobbygärtnerin bezeichnet wurde!“

(Lawyer asks his client: "Can you remember the exact wording of the insult?"
Client: "Not exactly, but I'm sure my mother wasn't described as a hobby gardener in it!")

✍️ Poem about Wortlaut

Ein Vertrag, ein Gesetz, ein Zitat,
entscheidend ist oft, was drin staht.
Nicht Sinn allein, nicht die Idee,
der Wortlaut zählt, oh weh, oh weh!
Drum prüfe wohl, eh du unterschreibst,
damit kein falsches Wort dich treibt.

(A contract, a law, a quote,
what's written there often denotes.
Not meaning alone, not the notion,
the wording counts, oh, the commotion!
So check with care before you sign,
lest mistaken words your fate define.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin exakt, bin oft zitiert,
in Paragraphen fest fixiert.
Ich bin nicht Sinn, nicht Melodie,
doch wichtig in der Juristerei.
Was bin ich, sag, ganz ohne Deutung?

(I am exact, often cited,
in paragraphs firmly alighted.
I am not meaning, not melody,
but vital in legality.
What am I, tell me without interpretation?)

Solution: Der Wortlaut (the wording)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

„Der Wortlaut“ is a compound noun, composed of:

• Wort (das) - Word.
• Laut (der) - Sound, phoneme, or simply 'form' in this context.

The combination emphasizes the precise, audible or readable form of the words.

Register:

The word belongs more to the formal or educated register of German.