die  Eheschließung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈeːəˌʃliːsʊŋ/

💍 What does 'die Eheschließung' mean?

The German word die Eheschließung refers to the formal, usually legal act of getting married, through which two people enter into a marriage (*Ehe*). In Germany, this typically takes place at the registry office (*Standesamt*) and establishes the legal union of the spouses.

Unlike 'Hochzeit' (*wedding*), which often includes the celebrations, 'Eheschließung' primarily refers to the official procedure.

It is a feminine noun, so the article is always die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Eheschließung

The word 'Eheschließung' is a feminine noun. Nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine in German.

Declension:

Example Sentences

• Die Eheschließung fand im kleinen Kreis statt.
  (The marriage ceremony took place with only close family and friends.)
• Der Termin für die Eheschließung ist nächste Woche Freitag.
  (The date for the wedding ceremony is next week Friday.)
• Nach der Eheschließung gab es einen Sektempfang.
  (After the marriage ceremony, there was a champagne reception.)
• Für die Eheschließung benötigt man bestimmte Dokumente.
  (Certain documents are required for the marriage ceremony.)

📜 When to use 'Eheschließung'?

'Eheschließung' is mainly used in official, administrative, or formal contexts. You often find the word in laws (*Gesetzen*), on certificates (*Urkunden*), or when dealing with authorities (e.g., the registry office - *Standesamt*).

Typical Uses:

• Official Context: "Die Eheschließung ist nur gültig, wenn sie vor einem Standesbeamten erfolgt." (The marriage is only valid if performed before a registrar.)
• Formal Announcements: "Wir geben unsere bevorstehende Eheschließung bekannt." (We announce our upcoming marriage.)
• Legal Documents: "Die Folgen der Eheschließung sind im Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuch geregelt." (The consequences of marriage are regulated in the Civil Code.)

Difference from 'Hochzeit':

'Hochzeit' (*wedding*) is the more general and common term. It often includes not just the act of marrying itself, but also the subsequent celebrations (*Hochzeitsfeier*). 'Eheschließung' emphasizes the legal and formal aspect.

⚠️ In everyday conversation, you would more likely say "Wir gehen zu einer Hochzeit" (*We're going to a wedding*) than "Wir gehen zu einer Eheschließung," unless you specifically want to emphasize the civil ceremony at the registry office.

🧠 Mnemonics for Eheschließung

Article 'die': Remember that German nouns ending in -ung (like *Rettung* - rescue, *Meinung* - opinion, *Hoffnung* - hope) are almost always feminine. So, it's die Eheschließung!

Meaning: Think of how a marriage (*Ehe*) is 'closed' or 'contracted' (*geschlossen*), like a formal agreement. The Ehe (marriage) is concluded by the act of marrying = Eheschließung.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Risk of Confusion? Rare. The term is quite specific to the act of getting married legally.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Standesbeamte den Bräutigam: "Nehmen Sie die hier anwesende Braut zur Frau, in guten wie in schlechten Zeiten?"
Bräutigam: "Ähm... kann ich erstmal nur die guten Zeiten nehmen?"

Translation:
The registrar asks the groom: "Do you take this bride here present to be your wife, for better or for worse?"
Groom: "Uhm... can I just take the better times for now?"

📜 A Poem about the Eheschließung

Zwei Herzen, nun vereint,
Ein neuer Weg beginnt.
Die Eheschließung heut besiegelt,
Was tief im Innern sinnt.

Ein Ring, ein Wort, ein Kuss,
Vor Amt und Freundeskreis.
Ein Bund fürs Leben, fest und klar,
Beginnt die gemeinsame Reis'.

Translation:
Two hearts, now united,
A new path begins.
The marriage ceremony today seals,
What deeply dwells within.

A ring, a word, a kiss,
Before office and circle of friends.
A bond for life, firm and clear,
The common journey starts.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Akt, oft feierlich,
Beurkundet, ganz offiziell für dich.
Zwei Menschen sagen laut „Ja, ich will!“,
Danach ist’s meistens gar nicht still.
Ich binde Herzen, rechtlich klar.
Wie nennt man das? Sag schnell, fürwahr!

Translation:
I am an act, often solemn,
Certified, quite official for you.
Two people say aloud, "Yes, I do!",
Afterwards, it's usually not quiet at all.
I bind hearts, legally clear.
What is it called? Tell quickly, indeed!

Solution: Die Eheschließung (The marriage ceremony)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Eheschließung' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Ehe (die Ehe): marriage
• Schließung (die Schließung): closing, conclusion, formation (derived from the verb 'schließen' - *to close, to conclude*)

So it literally means the 'closing' or 'establishment' of a marriage.

Cultural Context:

In Germany, only the civil marriage ceremony (*standesamtliche Eheschließung*) performed by a registrar (*Standesbeamter*) is legally binding. An additional church wedding (*kirchliche Trauung*) has only religious or ceremonial significance.