die  Staatsgewalt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃtaːtsɡəˈvalt/

🏛️ What does "die Staatsgewalt" mean?

Die Staatsgewalt refers to the comprehensive power and authority that a state exercises over its territory and population. It's the central instrument through which the state fulfills its tasks, creates and enforces law, ensures security, and organizes the community.

Essentially, it encompasses the state's ability to make binding decisions and, if necessary, enforce them through coercive measures. It is a fundamental term in public law (öffentliches Recht) and political science (Politikwissenschaft).

There is only one article, die, for this word because it represents an abstract concept, and the base word 'Gewalt' (power, authority, force) is feminine (die Gewalt).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declension of Staatsgewalt

Die Staatsgewalt is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular as it describes an abstract concept. The plural ("die Staatsgewalten") is rare and usually refers to the different manifestations or bearers of state power (e.g., in different countries or the three branches of government).

Singular

Plural - Rare

Example Sentences

1. Die Polizei handelt im Auftrag der Staatsgewalt.
   (The police act on behalf of the state authority.)
2. Die Ausübung der Staatsgewalt ist an das Gesetz gebunden.
   (The exercise of state power is bound by law.)
3. In einer Demokratie geht die Staatsgewalt vom Volk aus.
   (In a democracy, state power originates from the people.)
4. Die Richter sind Teil der rechtsprechenden Staatsgewalt.
   (The judges are part of the judicial branch of state power.)

⚖️ Context and Usage: When to use "Staatsgewalt"?

The term die Staatsgewalt is mainly used in formal contexts, especially in:

• Law and Justice (Recht und Justiz): Discussions about constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law (e.g., state monopoly on violence - staatliches Gewaltmonopol).
• Political Science (Politikwissenschaft): Analysis of government systems, separation of powers, legitimacy of state actions.
• History (Geschichtswissenschaft): Examination of the development and exercise of state power in different eras.
• News and Public Debates: Reporting on government measures, authority, and its limits.

In everyday language, people are more likely to talk about the 'Regierung' (government), 'Staat' (state), or 'Behörden' (authorities). 'Staatsgewalt' emphasizes the power component and the authority of the state.

Typical Collocations:

• Ausübung der Staatsgewalt (exercise of state power)
• Träger der Staatsgewalt (bearers of state power)
• Monopol der Staatsgewalt (monopoly of state power)
• Teilung der Staatsgewalt (separation of powers: legislative, executive, judicial)

⚠️ Avoid confusing it with 'Gewalt' in the sense of physical brutality, although Staatsgewalt does include the legitimate use of coercive force.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Remember die Gewalt (power, force, violence). Since 'Gewalt' is feminine, die Staatsgewalt is also feminine. The state exercises 'die' power.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Staat + s + Gewalt. It's about the 'Gewalt' (in the sense of power, authority) that comes from the 'Staat' (state). The power that holds the state together.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but distinct terms:

• Gewaltenteilung: (Separation of powers) The principle of dividing state power among different branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent abuse of power. It describes the organization, not the power itself.
• Gewaltmonopol: (Monopoly on violence) The state's exclusive right to use legitimate physical force. This is an aspect of state power.

😄 A Little Chuckle

Fragt der Bürger den Beamten: "Ist die Staatsgewalt eigentlich schwer?"
Antwortet der Beamte: "Nein, wieso? Ich trage sie ja nicht allein, wir teilen uns die Last – nennt sich Bürokratie!"

Citizen asks the civil servant: "Is state power actually heavy?"
Civil servant replies: "No, why? I don't carry it alone, we share the burden – it's called bureaucracy!"

📜 A Rhyme on Power

Die Staatsgewalt, ein starkes Band,
hält Recht und Ordnung in der Hand.
Vom Volk gegeben, klug verteilt,
damit das Chaos nicht verweilt.
Legislative, Exekutive, Gericht –
sie wachen über Recht und Pflicht.
Doch ihre Macht, sie hat Gewicht,
darum braucht sie stets ein Gegengewicht.

State power, a strong bond,
holds law and order in its hand.
Given by the people, wisely divided,
so that chaos does not linger.
Legislative, executive, court –
they watch over rights and duties.
But its power, it carries weight,
therefore it always needs a counterweight.

🤔 What am I?

Ich habe keine Hände, doch übe Macht aus.
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch erlasse Gesetze.
Ich werde geteilt, um stark zu bleiben.
In Demokratien gehe ich vom Volke aus.
Was bin ich? (... Die Staatsgewalt)

I have no hands, yet I wield power.
I have no voice, yet I make laws.
I am divided to remain strong.
In democracies, I originate from the people.

What am I?
(... State power / die Staatsgewalt)

✨ More Tidbits about Staatsgewalt

Word Composition:

The word Staatsgewalt is a compound noun, composed of:

• Staat: (Der Staat) - The state; political organization of a society.
• -s-: Linking 's'.
• Gewalt: (Die Gewalt) - Here in the sense of power, authority (not primarily physical violence).

The Three Branches of Government:

A central concept related to Staatsgewalt is the Gewaltenteilung (often also called Gewaltentrennung - separation of powers). It divides state power into three independent branches to prevent concentration of power and abuse:

1. Legislative (Gesetzgebung): Parliament (e.g., Bundestag), which passes laws.
2. Executive (Ausführende Gewalt): Government and administration (e.g., Bundesregierung, police), which execute laws.
3. Judiciary (Rechtsprechung): Courts (e.g., Bundesverfassungsgericht), which interpret and rule on law.