die  Novellierung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/noˌvɛliˈʁʊŋ/

📜 What exactly is a Novellierung?

Die Novellierung (feminine noun, plural: die Novellierungen) refers to the process or the result of amending, supplementing, or revising an existing law (*Gesetz*), regulation (*Verordnung*), or contract (*Vertrag*). The goal is usually to adapt the legal norm to new circumstances, findings, or societal needs.

So, it's essentially an update or adaptation of existing sets of rules. 📝

⚠️ Important: It's not about creating a completely new law, but about modifying an existing one.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Novellierung

The word 'Novellierung' is a feminine noun. The article is 'die'. Like most German nouns ending in -ung, it is feminine.

Example Sentences

1. Die Novellierung des Datenschutzgesetzes wurde intensiv diskutiert.
   (The amendment of the data protection act was discussed intensively.)
2. Der Bundestag beschloss eine umfassende Novellierung der Energieeinsparverordnung.
   (The parliament passed a comprehensive revision of the energy saving regulation.)
3. Aufgrund der Novellierung ändern sich einige Verfahrensweisen.
   (Due to the amendment, some procedures will change.)

💬 Usage in Context: When to say Novellierung?

The term 'Novellierung' is used almost exclusively in formal, legal, and political language. Typically, one speaks of:

• Gesetzesnovellierung (law amendment)
• Novellierung einer Verordnung (amendment of a regulation)
• Novellierung einer Richtlinie (amendment of a directive)
• Novellierung eines Vertrages (amendment of a contract)

In everyday language, one would rather speak of an Änderung (change) or Anpassung (adaptation). A 'Novellierung' implies an official, often complex process of legal change.

Example: Instead of “Die Hausordnung wurde novelliert” (incorrect/odd), you would say “Die Hausordnung wurde geändert” (The house rules were changed).

🧠 Mnemonics for Novellierung

Article Mnemonic (die): The ending -ung is a strong queen among endings – it almost always rules with the article die! Think of: die Änderung (change), die Verordnung (regulation), die Regelung (ruling)... die Novellierung!

Meaning Mnemonic (Amendment): It contains the word 'Novelle', which sounds like the English word "novel" (meaning new). A Novellierung makes an old law 'new' or current again – it gets amended and updated.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

🚨 Caution: Although similar, not every synonym is interchangeable in every context. 'Novellierung' is specifically used for legal norms.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Abgeordneter den anderen: „Ist die Novellierung jetzt endlich durch?“ Antwortet der andere: „Ja, aber keine Sorge, die nächste Novellierung der Novellierung ist schon in Arbeit!“ 😅

English: One member of parliament asks another: "Is the *Novellierung* (amendment) finally passed?" The other replies: "Yes, but don't worry, the next *Novellierung* of the *Novellierung* is already in the works!" 😅

✍️ Poem about Novellierung

German:
Ein alter Text, nicht mehr ganz klar,
das Recht von gestern, wunderbar?
Nein, sagt die Zeit, es muss sich dreh'n,
man muss das Alte überseh'n.
Da kommt sie her, die Änderung,
genannt Novellierung.
Passt an, was nicht mehr passt genau,
macht Paragraphen wieder schlau.

English:
An old text, no longer quite clear,
yesterday's law, held oh so dear?
No, says time, it must turn round,
the old must be reviewed, new ground.
Here it comes, the alteration,
called Novellierung, a modification.
Adjusts what doesn't fit just right,
makes paragraphs smart and bright.

🤔 Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin kein neues Buch, kein Roman,
doch änder' ich Gesetzesplan.
Ich mach' Verträge wieder frisch,
im Bundestag sitz' ich am Tisch.
Mal komm' ich schnell, mal dauert's lang,
bring' neuen rechtlichen Gesang.

Wer bin ich? (Die Lösung steht unten)

English:
I am no new book, no novel grand,
But I change the legal plan.
I make contracts fresh anew,
In parliament, I see things through.
Sometimes I'm quick, sometimes I delay,
Bringing new legal songs to play.

What am I?
(The answer is below)

Lösung/Answer: die Novellierung / the amendment

💡 Other Information

Word Origin: The term 'Novellierung' derives from 'Novelle', which in turn comes from the Latin word novellus ('new', 'young'). A *novella* originally referred to a new imperial decree that supplemented existing law.

Process: A *Novellierung* is often a complex legislative process involving readings in parliament (*Bundestag* or *Landtag*), committee deliberations, and sometimes approval from other bodies like the *Bundesrat*.