die  Klausel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈklaʊzəl/

📜 What exactly is a Klausel?

Die Klausel (noun, feminine) refers to a specific section, provision, or condition within a larger text, especially in contracts, laws, or other official documents.

It serves to regulate specific points in detail, establish exceptions, or make special agreements. You often find Klauseln (clauses) in the so-called "Kleingedrucktes" (fine print).

• Meaning 1: A single (sub-)point or paragraph in a contract, law, or will that contains a specific regulation. (e.g., eine Vertragsklausel - a contract clause, eine Schutzklausel - a protective clause)
• Meaning 2: A restrictive condition or reservation. (e.g., Die Zusage gilt nur mit einer wichtigen Klausel. - The commitment is only valid with an important condition.)

⚠️ Be sure to read Klauseln carefully, as they often have significant legal or financial implications.

🧐 Grammar: Die Klausel in Detail

The word "Klausel" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Vertrag enthält eine spezielle Klausel zur Kündigungsfrist. (The contract contains a special clause regarding the notice period.)
2. Wir müssen die Gültigkeit der Klausel überprüfen lassen. (We need to have the validity of the clause checked.)
3. Mit der Klausel sind nicht alle einverstanden. (Not everyone agrees with the clause.)
4. Bitte lesen Sie die Klauseln im Anhang sorgfältig durch. (Please read the clauses in the appendix carefully.)

💡 Everyday Application: When to use "Klausel"?

"Die Klausel" is primarily used in formal language, especially in legal, economic, or administrative contexts.

• Verträge (Contracts): Mietverträge (rental contracts), Arbeitsverträge (employment contracts), Kaufverträge (purchase agreements) (e.g., "Die Klausel über die Nebenkosten ist unklar formuliert." - "The clause about the utility costs is formulated unclearly.")
• Gesetze & Verordnungen (Laws & Regulations): (e.g., "Diese Klausel im Gesetz regelt die Ausnahme." - "This clause in the law regulates the exception.")
• Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen (AGB) (General Terms and Conditions): Often referred to as "das Kleingedruckte" (the fine print). (e.g., "Wer liest schon alle Klauseln in den AGB?" - "Who actually reads all the clauses in the terms and conditions?")
• Testamente & Urkunden (Wills & Deeds): (e.g., "Er hat eine Klausel hinzugefügt, die das Erbe an eine Bedingung knüpft." - "He added a clause that ties the inheritance to a condition.")

In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use words like Bedingung (condition), Regel (rule), or Punkt (point), unless specifically referring to a formal text. A "Klausel" always implies a certain degree of binding force and formality.

Distinction: A Paragraph (§) is a numbered section in laws or contracts, often containing one or more Klauseln. A Bedingung (condition) is more general and doesn't have to be in writing, whereas a Klausel is part of a written document.

🧠 Mnemonics for Klausel

1. Remembering the Article (die): Imagine a legal document where DIE most important rules are listed clause by clause. DIE rules -> die Klausel (feminine).

2. Remembering the Meaning: Think of a contract 'closing' (Latin: *clausula*) off certain possibilities or 'enclosing' specific rules. A Klausel encloses a specific point within the text.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Klause: hermitage, small hut or cell. (Do not confuse!)
• Klausur: written exam. (Sounds similar, but completely different meaning!)

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Anwalt seinen Mandanten: "Haben Sie die Klausel über die Vertragsstrafe gelesen?"
Mandant: "Ja, mehrmals!"
Anwalt: "Und, was denken Sie?"
Mandant: "Ich denke, der Verfasser hatte eine blühende Fantasie und zu viel Zeit!" 😄

English: The lawyer asks his client: "Did you read the clause about the contractual penalty?"
Client: "Yes, several times!"
Lawyer: "And, what do you think?"
Client: "I think the author had a vivid imagination and too much time on their hands!" 😄

📜 Poem about the Klausel

German:
Im Vertrag, tief und klein,
versteckt sich oft ein scharfer Schein.
Die Klausel, wohlbedacht,
hat schon manchen Ärger gebracht.

Sie regelt dies, sie fordert das,
mal mit Ernst und mal mit Spaß?
Nein, meistens ist's ein ernster Punkt,
drum lies genau, sei nicht zu bunt!

English Translation:
In the contract, deep and small,
often hides a sharp light's call.
The clause, well thought out and planned,
has brought trouble to the land.

It governs this, demands that too,
sometimes serious, fun for you?
No, mostly it's a serious thing,
so read it closely, hear it sing!

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Teil von Text und Recht,
mal kurz, mal lang, mal gut, mal schlecht.
Im Kleingedruckten wohn' ich gern,
und halte manchen Vorteil fern.
Man findet mich in dem Vertrag,
was bin ich, sag?

English:
I am part of text and law's decree,
Sometimes short, sometimes lengthy.
In the fine print, I like to reside,
Keeping some benefits aside.
You'll find me in the contract's page,
What am I, tell me, learned sage?

Solution: die Klausel (the clause)

🧩 Other Information

• Etymologie (Etymology): The word "Klausel" comes from the Latin word clausula, meaning "ending," "conclusion," or "small clause/sentence part." It is related to claudere (to close).
• Zusammensetzungen (Compounds): There are many compound words with "Klausel", e.g.:
  • Schutzklausel (protective clause)
  • Öffnungsklausel (opening clause, allows deviation)
  • Generalklausel (general clause, broadly formulated legal norm)
  • Zusatzklausel (additional clause)
  • salvatorische Klausel (severability clause, ensures the rest of the contract remains valid if one clause is invalid)
• "Das Kleingedruckte" (The Fine Print): Colloquially, clauses in Terms & Conditions (AGB) are often called "das Kleingedruckte" because they were historically printed in very small font and were difficult to read.