die  Anklagebank

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanklaːɡəˌbaŋk/

🏛️ What exactly is an Anklagebank?

The German word Anklagebank (feminine, article: die) refers to the place in the courtroom where the defendant(s) sit during a trial. In English, this is commonly called the defendant's bench or the dock.

There's only this one primary meaning for the word, and it's always feminine. ⚠️ Confusion is rare as the term is very specific to the legal context.

🧐 Grammar & Declension of die Anklagebank

The noun 'Anklagebank' is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

• Der Angeklagte nahm auf der Anklagebank Platz.
  (The defendant took a seat in the dock / on the defendant's bench.)
• Alle Augen im Gerichtssaal waren auf die Anklagebank gerichtet.
  (All eyes in the courtroom were directed at the dock.)
• Die Verteidigerin sprach zu ihrem Mandanten auf der Anklagebank.
  (The defense attorney spoke to her client in the dock.)
• Mehrere Personen saßen auf den Anklagebänken.
  (Several people were sitting on the defendants' benches.)

⚖️ Usage in Context

The term Anklagebank is used almost exclusively in a legal context or in reports about court proceedings. It describes the physical location of the accused.

• Typical Context: Court reporting, legal jargon, crime novels/films.
• Figurative Meaning: Sometimes the phrase "auf der Anklagebank sitzen" (to sit in the dock) is used figuratively to express that someone is being publicly criticized or accused, even outside of a court case. Example: "Nach dem Skandal saß der gesamte Vorstand auf der Anklagebank der öffentlichen Meinung." (After the scandal, the entire board was 'in the dock' of public opinion.)
• Distinction: The Anklagebank should be distinguished from the Zeugenstand (witness stand) and the Richterbank (judge's bench).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think of 'Bank' (bench/bank) which is often feminine ('die Bank'). The accusation ('die Anklage') is directed at the person on this specific bench. So, remember: DIE person sits on DER Bank (dative) = die Anklagebank. Since German nouns often keep the gender of the last part of the compound word, and 'Bank' is feminine, 'Anklagebank' is feminine ('die').

Remembering the Meaning: Imagine someone being accused ('angeklagt' from Anklage) and having to sit on a 'Bank' (bench) to defend themselves – that's the Anklagebank.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Terms

• Strafbank: This usually refers to the penalty box in sports (e.g., ice hockey). 🚨 Do not confuse!

😄 A Little Joke

Richter: "Angeklagter, Sie wollen mir weismachen, dass Sie auf der Anklagebank nichts hören können?"
Angeklagter: "Doch, Herr Richter. Nur nichts Belastendes."

Translation:
Judge: "Defendant, are you trying to tell me you can't hear anything in the dock?"
Defendant: "Oh yes, Your Honor. Just nothing incriminating."

📜 Poem about the Anklagebank

Auf harter Bank, im Saales Licht,
Lastet schwer das Weltgericht.
Die Anklagebank, ein kühler Ort,
Wo Wahrheit ringt mit falschem Wort.
Blicke bohren, Fragen schallen,
Wird das Urteil heute fallen?

Translation:
On a hard bench, in the hall's light,
Weighs heavily the world's judgment bright.
The defendant's dock, a place so cold,
Where truth contends with stories told.
Stares are piercing, questions sound,
Will the verdict today be found?

❓ Little Riddle

Ich steh' im Saal, doch bin kein Stuhl für Gäste fein.
Hier sitzt man bang, ist man des Unrechts Schein.
Der Richter schaut, der Anwalt spricht,
Wer hier Platz nimmt, fürchtet das Gericht.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I stand in the hall, but am no chair for fine guests.
Here one sits anxiously, if appearing unjust.
The judge looks on, the lawyer speaks,
Whoever takes a seat here, fears the court's critiques.

What am I?

Lösung/Solution: die Anklagebank (the defendant's dock/bench)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Anklagebank' is a compound noun, made up of:

• Die Anklage: The accusation or charge in a legal sense.
• Die Bank: The bench (furniture).

Together, it literally means the "bench for the person(s) under accusation".

Trivia:

In some legal systems (like in English-speaking countries), the term "dock" is used, which often describes a slightly different physical setup than the typical German Anklagebank (e.g., sometimes enclosed).