die  Anwältin

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanˌvɛltɪn/

👩‍⚖️ What does 'Anwältin' mean?

Die Anwältin is the feminine form of der Anwalt (male lawyer). It refers to a woman who professionally provides legal advice and represents clients in court. She has completed law studies, is qualified to hold judicial office (usually through the second state examination in Germany), and is admitted to the bar (Rechtsanwaltskammer).

As it's a specifically feminine job title, the article is always die.

🚨 Attention: Do not confuse with die Juristin (generally a woman with legal training, broader term) or die Staatsanwältin (female public prosecutor).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar in Detail: Die Anwältin

The noun 'Anwältin' is feminine. Therefore, the article is always 'die'. It follows the standard feminine declension pattern.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Die Anwältin bereitete sich sorgfältig auf den Prozess vor.
   (The female lawyer prepared carefully for the trial.)
2. Ich habe einen Termin bei einer Anwältin für Familienrecht.
   (I have an appointment with a female lawyer specializing in family law.)
3. Das Plädoyer der Anwältin überzeugte das Gericht.
   (The female lawyer's closing argument convinced the court.)
4. Wir danken der Anwältin für ihre Unterstützung.
   (We thank the female lawyer for her support.)
5. Viele junge Frauen möchten Anwältin werden.
   (Many young women want to become lawyers.)
6. Die Anwältinnen der Kanzlei trafen sich zur Besprechung.
   (The female lawyers of the firm met for a meeting.)

🗣️ How to use 'Anwältin'?

'Anwältin' is used specifically to refer to a woman working as a lawyer. It's the correct and common term in professional and everyday contexts.

• Professional Context: In law firms (Kanzleien), in court (vor Gericht), in contracts (in Verträgen), and official documents when referring to a female lawyer. (e.g., „Frau Müller ist eine erfahrene Anwältin für Arbeitsrecht.“ - Ms. Müller is an experienced lawyer for labor law.)
• Everyday Language: When talking about a woman's profession. (e.g., „Meine Nachbarin ist Anwältin.“ - My neighbor is a lawyer.)
• Distinction: 'Anwältin' is more specific than 'Juristin'. A Juristin has studied law, but doesn't necessarily have to be admitted to the bar or practice as a lawyer. An Anwältin is always a Juristin, but not every Juristin is an Anwältin.
• Gender-Neutral Language: In efforts towards gender-neutral language (gendergerechte Sprache), sometimes neutral forms are sought, but 'Anwältin' remains the established feminine form alongside 'Anwalt' for men. For mixed groups, people often refer to „Anwältinnen und Anwälten“ (female and male lawyers) or „Anwaltschaft“ (the legal profession/bar).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article 'die': Many feminine job titles in German end in -in (Lehrerin - female teacher, Ärztin - female doctor). These are almost always feminine and take the article 'die'. Think: Die ends in 'e', like feminine. And the '-in' suffix signals a female person: die Anwältin.

Meaning: Think of the English word 'advocate', which sounds a bit like 'Anwalt'. Add the female suffix '-in'. She is 'at the side' (an) of her client, like a protective 'wall' (Walt sounds like wall) – the An-wält-in.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with Anwaltsgehilfin or Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte – these are female paralegal or legal assistant roles, not lawyers.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter die Angeklagte: "Möchten Sie eine Pflichtverteidigerin?"
Antwortet die Angeklagte: "Nein danke, lieber eine Anwältin, die etwas von ihrem Fach versteht!"

Translation:

The judge asks the defendant (female): "Would you like a public defender (female)?"
The defendant replies: "No thanks, I'd prefer a lawyer (female) who actually knows her stuff!"

📜 Poem about the Anwältin

Mit Akten unterm Arm, klug und gewandt,
Die Anwältin, im Recht bewandt.
Paragraphen kennt sie, spricht mit Bedacht,
Hat für ihre Klienten die Lösung erdacht.
Vor Gericht steht sie, stark und präsent,
Eine Kämpferin, die man anerkennt.

Translation:

With files under her arm, clever and skilled,
The female lawyer, versed in law.
She knows paragraphs, speaks with consideration,
Has devised the solution for her clients.
In court she stands, strong and present,
A fighter who is acknowledged.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich trage Robe, doch nicht als Königin,
Kenne Gesetze und deren Sinn.
Ich streite für Rechte, helfe aus Not,
Bin weiblich im Dienste, von früh bis spät.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:

I wear a robe, but not as a queen,
I know the laws and what they mean.
I fight for rights, help those in need,
I serve as a woman, from morn till eve indeed.

Who am I?

Answer: die Anwältin (the female lawyer)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Anwältin' is derived from the masculine word 'Anwalt' by adding the suffix '-in'. This suffix is commonly used in German to form feminine versions of nouns referring to people and professions.

• Anwalt: The origin lies in Old High German 'anawalto' (person in authority, administrator) or Middle High German 'anewalte' (attorney, authorized representative). It refers to someone who acts 'in place of' (an Stelle) another or holds their 'power/authority' (Gewalt).
• -in: Feminine suffix.

Societal Role: Female lawyers (Anwältinnen) play a crucial role in the justice system, ensuring access to justice for all citizens and contributing to the maintenance of the rule of law (Rechtsstaatlichkeit). The proportion of women in this profession has steadily increased over recent decades.