die  Gerechtigkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈʁɛçtɪçkaɪt/

⚖️ What does "die Gerechtigkeit" mean?

Die Gerechtigkeit (feminine) is a central concept referring to the principle of fairness, lawfulness, and moral rightness. It describes a state or action considered fair, appropriate, and ethically justifiable, often in social, legal, or moral contexts.

• Core meaning: State or principle of fairness and lawfulness (justice, fairness, righteousness).
• Further aspects: Can relate to soziale Gerechtigkeit (social justice, e.g., equal opportunities, distributive justice), rechtliche Gerechtigkeit (legal justice, impartial application of laws), or moralische Gerechtigkeit (moral justice, ethical action).

It's an abstract noun, typically used in the singular. The plural form "die Gerechtigkeiten" is rare and usually refers to individual acts of justice or different types of justice.

🚨 Important: The word is always feminine, so it's always "die" Gerechtigkeit.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Gerechtigkeit

"Die Gerechtigkeit" is a feminine noun. As it describes an abstract concept, it's mostly used in the singular. The plural is rare.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural (rare)

Example Sentences

1. Alle Menschen sehnen sich nach Gerechtigkeit.
   (All people long for justice.)
2. Im Namen der Gerechtigkeit wurde das Urteil gefällt.
   (The verdict was delivered in the name of justice.)
3. Wir müssen der Gerechtigkeit dienen.
   (We must serve justice.)
4. Sie forderten soziale Gerechtigkeit für alle.
   (They demanded social justice for everyone.)

💡 Usage Notes: When to use Gerechtigkeit?

"Gerechtigkeit" is a multi-layered term used in various contexts:

• Legal Context: In relation to laws, courts, and judgments. Example: "Das Gerichtsurteil soll der Gerechtigkeit Genüge tun." (The court verdict should satisfy justice.)
• Philosophical/Ethical Context: In discussions about morality, ethics, and fair principles. Example: "Was ist Gerechtigkeit? Diese Frage beschäftigt Philosophen seit Jahrhunderten." (What is justice? This question has occupied philosophers for centuries.)
• Social Context: Referring to the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and treatment in society. Example: "Soziale Gerechtigkeit ist ein wichtiges politisches Ziel." (Social justice is an important political goal.)
• Personal Context: Expressing a desire for fair compensation or treatment. Example: "Ich will nur Gerechtigkeit für das erlittene Unrecht." (I just want justice for the wrong suffered.)

Comparison with "Fairness": While "Gerechtigkeit" often implies a more formal, legal, or moral framework, "Fairness" (often used as a loanword in German too) is more commonly used in everyday language for decency and impartiality, e.g., in sports or personal agreements. However, the terms overlap significantly.

🧠 Memory Aids for "die Gerechtigkeit"

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Terms

⚠️ Confusing Words

• Gericht: Can mean a court (judiciary) or a dish (food). Although courts are supposed to deliver justice (Gerechtigkeit), the words have different roots and meanings.
• Recht: Can mean the law/legal system, a specific right (e.g., Wahlrecht - right to vote), or the direction 'right' (opposite of left). It's a core component of Gerechtigkeit but not identical.

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Wollen Sie Gerechtigkeit?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, Herr Richter, ich will einen Freispruch!"

EN: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you want justice?" The defendant replies: "No, Your Honor, I want an acquittal!"

📜 A Poem about Gerechtigkeit

DE: Die Waage hält sie fest im Arm,
Verbundne Augen, kühl und warm.
Sie richtet nicht nach Schein und Macht,
Die Gerechtigkeit, bei Tag und Nacht.
Ein hohes Gut, oft schwer erreicht,
Wenn Unrecht in die Herzen schleicht.
Doch streben wir nach ihrem Licht,
Das Fairness und den Frieden spricht.

EN Translation: The scales she holds firmly in her arm,
Blindfolded eyes, cool and warm.
She judges not by appearance or might,
The Gerechtigkeit (Justice), by day and night.
A high ideal, often hard to attain,
When injustice creeps into hearts like rain.
Yet we strive towards her light,
That speaks of fairness and makes peace bright.

🧩 Little Riddle

DE: Ich habe keine Stimme, doch spreche durch Gesetze.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch teile ich die Schätze (manchmal schlecht, manchmal gut). Ich trage eine Binde, um nicht aufs Äußere zu sehen.
Man sucht mich vor Gericht, um Recht geschehen zu sehen.

Wer bin ich?

EN: I have no voice, yet I speak through laws.
I have no hands, yet I divide treasures (sometimes badly, sometimes well).
I wear a blindfold, so as not to see outward appearances.
People seek me in court, to see right done.

Who am I?

📌 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Gerechtigkeit" is derived from the adjective gerecht (just, fair) and the suffix -igkeit. The suffix "-igkeit" (like "-heit" and "-keit") forms feminine nouns denoting a quality or state.

Symbolism:

Gerechtigkeit is often symbolized by the figure of Justitia (Lady Justice), a woman with a blindfold (Unparteilichkeit - impartiality), scales (Waage - weighing guilt and innocence), and a sword (Schwert - enforcement of law).