die
Notwehr
🛡️ Defining Notwehr
Die Notwehr is a legal term in German referring to the defense that is necessary to repel a present, unlawful attack (gegenwärtiger, rechtswidriger Angriff) against oneself or another person. It's a ground for justification (Rechtfertigungsgrund) in German criminal law, codified in Section 32 of the Criminal Code (§ 32 Strafgesetzbuch - StGB).
Crucial criteria for an action to be recognized as Notwehr are its necessity (Erforderlichkeit) and appropriateness (Gebotenheit). The defense must not exceed what is necessary to repel the attack (proportionality / Verhältnismäßigkeit). ⚠️ If the defense significantly exceeds this measure, it's referred to as Notwehrexzess (excessive self-defense).
🧐 Grammar: Feminine and Singular
The noun „Notwehr“ is feminine. The correct article is therefore die. It is generally only used in the singular, as it describes an abstract legal concept.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Notwehr |
| Genitive | der | Notwehr |
| Dative | der | Notwehr |
| Accusative | die | Notwehr |
Note: A plural form („die Notwehren“) is grammatically possible but highly unusual and not used in the legal context.
Example Sentences
- Der Angeklagte handelte aus Notwehr. (The defendant acted in self-defense.)
- Das Gericht prüfte, ob die Voraussetzungen der Notwehr gegeben waren. (The court examined whether the requirements for self-defense were met.)
- Er berief sich auf sein Recht zur Notwehr. (He invoked his right to self-defense.)
⚖️ Usage in Daily Life and Law
The term die Notwehr is primarily used in a legal context, especially in criminal law. It describes a specific situation where an otherwise punishable act (e.g., assault) is justified.
- Context: Discussions about criminal offenses, court proceedings, self-defense situations.
- Important Aspects:
- Gegenwärtigkeit des Angriffs (Presence of the attack): The attack must be imminent, currently happening, or still ongoing.
- Rechtswidrigkeit des Angriffs (Unlawfulness of the attack): The attack itself must not be justified (e.g., an arrest by the police).
- Erforderlichkeit der Verteidigung (Necessity of the defense): The means chosen must be suitable to fend off the attack, and no milder, equally effective means must be available.
- Gebotenheit (Appropriateness/Social Ethical Constraints): In certain cases (e.g., attacks by children or obviously non-culpable individuals, gross disproportionality), the right to self-defense may be restricted.
- Distinction: Notwehr (§ 32 StGB, defense of one's own or another's legal interests) must be distinguished from rechtfertigender Notstand (§ 34 StGB, justifying necessity - averting danger to one legal good by infringing upon another, lesser one) and from Nothilfe (defense of a third party, also covered by § 32 StGB).
💡 Mnemonics for "die Notwehr"
Article Mnemonic: Think of defense which often involves *she*er will or a *she*-ield. Actions defending someone often need urgency or *die*r necessity. Remember die Notwehr.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone in *dire* Not (need/emergency) who needs to *ward off* an attack (Wehr means defense). They need *emergency defense* -> Notwehr.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Selbstverteidigung (Self-defense): Often used colloquially as a synonym, but legally distinct. Notwehr is the specific legal justification.
- Selbstschutz (Self-protection): More general term for measures to protect oneself or one's property.
- Nothilfe (Defense of others): Notwehr exercised on behalf of a third party.
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Angriff (Attack): The action against which Notwehr is directed.
- Aggression: Hostile, attacking behavior.
- Rechtswidrige Handlung (Unlawful act without justification): A crime not justified by Notwehr or similar grounds.
Potential Confusion: Don't confuse with Notstand (§ 34 StGB - necessity), which has different legal requirements.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie den Einbrecher nicht nur verjagt, sondern gleich mit dem Nudelholz verprügelt?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, das war Notwehr! Er hat versucht, mein geheimes Nudelrezept zu stehlen!"
English: The judge asks the defendant: "Why didn't you just chase the burglar away, but beat him with the rolling pin instead?" The defendant replies: "Your Honor, it was self-defense! He was trying to steal my secret pasta recipe!"
📜 Poem about Notwehr
German:
Ein Angriff droht, Gefahr ist hier,
Die Angst, sie schleicht heran zu dir.
Doch § 32, klar und rein,
lässt dich Verteidiger sein.
Die Notwehr, dein gegeben Recht,
Doch handle stets bedacht und echt.
Erforderlich und auch geboten,
Sonst drohen schnell Justiz-Verbote.
English Translation:
An attack looms, danger is here,
Fear creeps up, drawing near.
But § 32, clear and pure,
Allows you defense to ensure.
Die Notwehr, your given right,
But act with care and true insight.
Necessary and appropriate too,
Or legal troubles may ensue.
🧩 Riddle
German:
Ich bin ein Recht, doch keine Pflicht,
Im Angesicht der Gefahr mein Gesicht.
Ich wehre ab, was Unrecht tut,
Doch maßvoll sei mein Mut.
Im Gesetzbuch steh' ich fest,
Besteh' ich den juristischen Test?
Was bin ich?
English:
I am a right, but not a duty,
In the face of danger, you see my beauty.
I fend off what does wrong,
But my courage must not be too strong (must be measured).
In the law books, I stand firm,
Do I pass the legal term?
What am I?
Solution: die Notwehr (self-defense)
📎 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word „Notwehr“ is composed of:
Combined, it describes 'defense in a situation of distress/danger'.
Cultural Significance: The concept of Notwehr is deeply embedded in legal systems worldwide, reflecting the natural right to self-preservation when state protection is not immediately available.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Notwehr?
The word 'Notwehr' is feminine, so the correct article is always die: die Notwehr. It is almost exclusively used in the singular.