die  Beweislast

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈvaɪslast/

📚 What does "die Beweislast" mean?

Die Beweislast is a German noun referring to the burden of proof. It signifies the obligation of a party (usually in legal proceedings) to prove certain facts to substantiate a claim or assertion. Whoever carries die Beweislast must provide the necessary evidence.

It's a central concept in procedural law. If the party bearing die Beweislast cannot provide the proof, the disputed fact is considered unproven, usually to the detriment of that party.

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Beweislast

The word "Beweislast" is a feminine noun. It uses the article "die". A plural form ("die Beweislasten") is very rare and hardly ever used, as it usually refers to an abstract concept.

Declension Singular

Example Sentences

1. Im Zivilprozess liegt die Beweislast für den Anspruch grundsätzlich beim Kläger.
   (In civil proceedings, the burden of proof for the claim generally lies with the plaintiff.)
2. Der Angeklagte muss seine Unschuld nicht beweisen; die Beweislast liegt bei der Staatsanwaltschaft.
   (The defendant does not have to prove their innocence; the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.)
3. Eine Umkehr der Beweislast kann in bestimmten gesetzlichen Fällen vorgesehen sein.
   (A reversal of the burden of proof may be provided for in certain statutory cases.)
4. Die Frage der Beweislast ist oft entscheidend für den Ausgang eines Verfahrens.
   (The question of the burden of proof is often decisive for the outcome of proceedings.)

⚖️ Usage in Context

Die Beweislast is a fixed term used almost exclusively in a legal context. It is mentioned in relation to:

• Court proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative)
• Contractual disputes
• Administrative procedures
• Discussions about legal principles

Outside the legal field, the term is rarely used. One might use it metaphorically to express that someone bears the responsibility of substantiating an assertion, but this is uncommon.

⚠️ There is little risk of confusion as the term is very specific. Sometimes, the synonym Beweispflicht (duty to provide proof) is used.

💡 Mnemonics for Beweislast

Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Last" (the burden, the load). A burden is often conceptually heavy. Remember it as a feminine concept in German: Die Last to prove -> die Beweislast.

Meaning Mnemonic: Someone who wants to beweisen (prove) something carries the Last (burden) of providing the facts. BEWEIS (proof) + LAST (burden) = Beweislast (burden of proof).

🔄 Synonyms and Related Concepts

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Anwalt einen schweren Rucksack dabei? Er trägt die Beweislast!
English: Why did the lawyer bring a heavy backpack? He's carrying the burden of proof!

📜 Poem about the Burden of Proof

German:
Im Saale der Gerechtigkeit,
steht eine Frage, schwer wie Blei.
Wer hat die Pflicht, wer hat die Macht,
die Wahrheit klar ans Licht gebracht?

Die Beweislast, schwer zu tragen,
lässt Kläger oft verzagen.
Doch ohne sie, das ist doch klar,
wär' Rechtsprechung nicht wahrhaft wahr.

English Translation:
In the hall of justice' scales,
a question weighs like heavy gales.
Who holds the duty, who the might,
to bring the clear truth into light?

The burden of proof, hard to bear,
makes plaintiffs often despair.
But without it, it's surely true,
justice wouldn't see us through.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin eine Pflicht vor Gericht,
doch hab' ich selbst kein Gesicht.
Wer etwas behauptet, muss mich tragen,
um den Richter zu überzeugen in seinen Klagen.

Was bin ich?
~ Die Beweislast

English Translation:
I am a duty before the court,
but have no face of any sort.
He who asserts must carry me,
to convince the judge with his plea.

What am I?
~ The burden of proof (Die Beweislast)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition: The word "Beweislast" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Beweis: (The proof, evidence) - Substantiation of a fact or claim.
• Die Last: (The load, burden) - Something heavy, a burden, or an obligation.

Together, the meaning is "the burden or obligation to provide proof".