die  Urkundenfälschung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔuːʁkʊndnˌfɛlʃʊŋ/

📜 What exactly is 'die Urkundenfälschung'?

Die Urkundenfälschung is a criminal offense in German law (regulated in § 267 des Strafgesetzbuches - StGB, the German Criminal Code). It refers to the act of producing a counterfeit document (eine unechte Urkunde herstellen), altering a genuine document (eine echte Urkunde verfälschen), or using a counterfeit or altered document to deceive in legal transactions (Gebrauch zur Täuschung im Rechtsverkehr).

So, it's about creating or changing a document that appears genuine and has legal significance, in order to gain an advantage for oneself or others, or to harm someone.

• Herstellen einer unechten Urkunde: Pretending a specific entity (e.g., an authority, a doctor) issued a document when they didn't.
• Verfälschen einer echter Urkunde: Changing the content of a real document afterwards (e.g., changing a grade on a certificate).
• Gebrauch (Use): Using such a forged document towards third parties (e.g., submitting a fake diploma with a job application).

🚨 Important: The intent to deceive in legal matters (Absicht, im Rechtsverkehr zu täuschen) is crucial!

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Urkundenfälschung

The word "Urkundenfälschung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is "die". It is mostly used in the singular as it describes the abstract criminal offense. The plural "die Urkundenfälschungen" refers to multiple individual acts.

Example Sentences

• Dem Angeklagten wurde die Urkundenfälschung nachgewiesen.
  (The defendant was proven to have committed forgery of documents.)
• Er versuchte, mit einer Urkundenfälschung einen Kredit zu bekommen.
  (He tried to get a loan through document forgery.)
• Mehrere Fälle von Urkundenfälschungen wurden aufgedeckt.
  (Several cases of document forgery were uncovered.)
• Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt wegen des Verdachts der Urkundenfälschung.
  (The public prosecutor's office is investigating on suspicion of forgery of documents.)

💡 How to Use "Urkundenfälschung"?

The term Urkundenfälschung is used almost exclusively in a legal context, particularly in criminal law (Strafrecht).

• Typical Use Cases: In court proceedings (Gerichtsverfahren), police reports (Polizeiberichte), legal texts (juristische Texte), news about crimes (Nachrichten über Straftaten).
• Context: It's a precise legal term. In everyday language, one might speak more generally of "fake papers" (gefälschte Papiere) or "scam" (Schwindel), but "Urkundenfälschung" denotes the specific criminal offense.
• Distinction: *Urkundenfälschung* is not the same as a simple lie (Lüge) or false statement (Falschaussage), although it can involve them. The key is the forgery or use of a document with evidentiary function (Beweisfunktion). It is also distinct from fraud (Betrug, § 263 StGB), even though both often occur together.

⚠️ *Urkundenfälschung* is not a trivial offense (kein Kavaliersdelikt) and can be punished with fines (Geldstrafe) or imprisonment (Freiheitsstrafe).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (*die*). Think: Fälschung sounds like something *done* -> typically feminine in German grammar -> *die* Fälschung -> die Urkundenfälschung.

Remembering the Meaning: Break it down: Urkunde means a formal or official document (like a certificate or deed). Fälschung means forgery or falsification. So, *Urkundenfälschung* literally means *document forgery*.

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Potential Confusion

Similar Terms (Beware of Confusion!)

• Betrug (§ 263 StGB): Fraud - Deception to obtain a financial advantage. Can be committed using *Urkundenfälschung*, but is a distinct offense.
• Falschaussage (§ 153 ff. StGB): Perjury / False testimony - Lying in court or to an authority.
• Urkundenunterdrückung (§ 274 StGB): Suppression of documents - Destroying, damaging, or suppressing a document to disadvantage someone.

😄 A Little Chuckle

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie die Unterschrift auf dem Scheck gefälscht?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Aus Mangel an Originalität, Herr Richter!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you forge the signature on the check?"
The defendant replies: "For lack of originality, Your Honor!"

✍️ Poem about Urkundenfälschung

Ein Schein, so falsch, doch glänzend neu,
mit Stempel drauf und ohne Scheu.
Die Unterschrift – gekonnt kopiert,
auf dass der Plan gut funktioniert.
Doch Recht schläft nicht, das Auge wacht,
die Urkundenfälschung wird ans Licht gebracht.
Was aussah wie ein leichter Sieg,
endet im Paragraphendickicht und vor Gericht.

Translation:
A certificate, so fake, yet shiny new,
With a stamp on it, and bold too.
The signature – skillfully copied,
So that the plan would succeed.
But justice doesn't sleep, the eye stays keen,
The forgery of documents is brought to the scene.
What looked like an easy win,
Ends in the jungle of paragraphs and court within.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin nicht echt, doch seh' so aus,
verändre Namen, Noten, Haus.
Ich täusche gern im Rechtsverkehr,
doch komm ich raus, wird's für dich schwer.
Man nennt mich eine Straftat, klar.
Was bin ich? Ja, wunderbar!

Translation:
I am not real, but look that way,
I change names, grades, houses, I sway.
I like to deceive in legal trade,
But if I'm found out, a price is paid.
They call me a crime, it's clear.
What am I? Yes, my dear!

... Die Urkundenfälschung (Forgery of documents)

🧩 Additional Information

Word Composition

The word "Urkundenfälschung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Urkunde: An official document that proves a fact or legal transaction (e.g., certificate, contract, ID card).
• Die Fälschung: A forgery, counterfeit, or falsification made with intent to deceive.

Relevant Legal Paragraph

The central paragraph in the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB) is § 267 Urkundenfälschung.

Historical Context

Forging documents is as old as writing itself. Laws against it existed even in ancient Rome. Of course, the exact definition and penalties have evolved over the centuries.