die  Unschuldsvermutung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʊnʃʊltsfɛɐ̯ˈmʊtʊŋ/

📜 What does "die Unschuldsvermutung" mean?

Die Unschuldsvermutung is a fundamental legal principle stating that any person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty according to law. It embodies the principle of "in dubio pro reo" (when in doubt, for the accused).

This principle protects individuals from premature convictions and ensures that the burden of proof lies with the state (the prosecution), not with the accused to prove their innocence.

⚠️ This is a fixed term in the legal context. There are no other meanings or articles for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension of Unschuldsvermutung

The word "Unschuldsvermutung" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is mostly used in the singular as it describes an abstract concept.

Declension (Singular)

The plural ("die Unschuldsvermutungen") is very rare and would refer to multiple, specific instances or types of the presumption, which is unusual.

Example Sentences

1. Die Unschuldsvermutung ist ein Pfeiler unseres Rechtsstaats. (The presumption of innocence is a pillar of our rule of law.)
2. Der Anwalt berief sich auf die Unschuldsvermutung seines Mandanten. (The lawyer invoked the presumption of innocence for his client.)
3. Bis zum Beweis der Schuld gilt für jeden die Unschuldsvermutung. (Until guilt is proven, the presumption of innocence applies to everyone.)
4. Man muss der Unschuldsvermutung stets Geltung verschaffen. (One must always ensure the presumption of innocence is upheld.)

⚖️ Usage in Law and Everyday Context

The term "die Unschuldsvermutung" is used almost exclusively in legal and legal philosophy contexts. You find it in:

• Court proceedings and judgments
• Legal articles and textbooks
• Discussions about human rights and the rule of law
• Media reporting on criminal proceedings (often as a reminder of the principle)

In everyday language outside this context, the word is rare. People might rather say things like "don't prejudge someone" or "let's wait and see what comes out". However, die Unschuldsvermutung is the precise technical term for the legal principle.

It's important not to confuse it with a statement of fact. It is a legal presumption that can be rebutted, but only through formal proof of guilt.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

1. Remembering the article (die): Think of Justice (in German: die Gerechtigkeit) or Lady Justice's scales (die Waage). Both are feminine, just like die Vermutung (presumption/supposition). Die Unschuldsvermutung is part of der (feminine genitive/dative) legal order.
2. Remembering the meaning: Break down the word: Unschuld (innocence) + Vermutung (presumption). So, one presumes innocence until proven otherwise. Simple, right? 😉

Imagine someone accused. Lady Justice (who is female - 'die') holds her hand protectively over them saying: "I presume your innocence!" – This helps with both the article 'die' and the meaning.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Do not confuse with "Schuldfähigkeit" (criminal capacity/ability to understand the wrongfulness of an act) or "Beweislastumkehr" (reversal of the burden of proof, which can occur in specific civil cases but does not negate the presumption of innocence in criminal law).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Gestehen Sie den Diebstahl der Äpfel?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, bis zum Beweis meiner Schuld gilt die Unschuldsvermutung! Aber... wenn Sie einen knackigen Apfel möchten, ich hätte da zufällig einen... rein hypothetisch natürlich." 🍎😉

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Do you confess to stealing the apples?"
The defendant replies: "Your Honor, until my guilt is proven, the presumption of innocence applies! But... if you'd like a crisp apple, I happen to have one... purely hypothetically, of course." 🍎😉

✍️ Poem about Unschuldsvermutung

Im Zweifel stets für dich entschieden,
so will's das Recht, so soll es sein.
Die Unschuldsvermutung, tief hienieden,
lässt keinen vorschnell schuldig sein.

Die Waage schwankt, der Beweis muss her,
bevor das Urteil wird gesprochen.
Die Würde schützt sie, glaubt es mir,
hat nie ein Fünkchen Schuld gerochen.

Translation:
When in doubt, decided in your favor,
so wills the law, so it shall be.
The presumption of innocence, deep down ever,
lets no one be guilty prematurely.

The scale may sway, the proof must come,
before the final judgment's spoken.
It guards dignity, believe me some,
has never smelled guilt's slightest token.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Schild im Rechtessaal,
schütze vor dem ersten Strahl
von Schuld, die man dir gern andichtet,
bevor der Richterspruch berichtet.

Man nimmt mich an, bis klar erwiesen,
dass du gehandelt gegen Priesen
(oder Gesetze). Erst der Beweis
nimmt mir die Kraft auf leise Weis'.

Wie heiße ich, mit femininem Kleid?

Translation:
I am a shield within the court,
protecting from the first report
of guilt they'd gladly attribute,
before the judge's final tribute (verdict).

I'm assumed until it's clearly shown,
that you acted against rules known
(or laws). Only the proof takes hold,
my power then, in ways untold (quietly fades).

What is my name, in feminine dress?

(Answer: die Unschuldsvermutung)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

• Word Composition: The word is a compound noun formed from "Unschuld" (innocence, feminine noun) and "Vermutung" (presumption/supposition, feminine noun). The first part ("Unschulds-") specifies the second part ("Vermutung"). In German compound nouns, the last word determines the gender, hence "die Vermutung" -> "die Unschuldsvermutung".
• Legal Basis: In Germany, the presumption of innocence is guaranteed by Article 6(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the principle of the rule of law in the Basic Law (Grundgesetz, Art. 20(3) GG). It is also reflected in § 136(1) sentence 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Strafprozessordnung - StPO).
• International Significance: It is a globally recognized human right (e.g., Art. 11(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN).