01
das Gericht
dish
A prepared food item served as part of a meal.
example
Als Hauptspeise bestelle ich ein vegetarisches Gericht.
For the main course, I'll order a vegetarian dish.
das Gericht
dish / court
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The two main meanings of 'Gericht' (dish and court) become clear from context. Words like 'kochen' (to cook), 'lecker' (delicious), 'bestellen' (to order), or 'Speisekarte' (menu) point to a meal. Words like 'Richter' (judge), 'Anwalt' (lawyer), 'Urteil' (verdict/judgment), or the preposition 'vor' (before/in front of) point to the legal meaning.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gericht mit Linsen schmeckt fantastisch.
This dish with lentils tastes fantastic.
Word family
The word 'Gericht' is derived from the verb 'richten' (to judge / to direct). This fits the legal meaning ('to administer justice'). Interestingly, it also fits the food meaning, because 'anrichten' means to arrange food nicely on a plate.
EXAMPLE
Der Richter richtet über den Angeklagten.
The judge passes judgment on the defendant.
Typical collocations
When 'Gericht' means a dish, it is often combined with certain verbs and adjectives. Typical examples are: 'ein Gericht kochen' (to cook a dish), 'ein Gericht zubereiten' (to prepare a dish), 'ein Gericht bestellen' (to order a dish), 'ein vegetarisches/deftiges/leichtes Gericht' (a vegetarian/hearty/light dish).
EXAMPLE
Für die Feier kochen wir mehrere Gerichte.
For the celebration, we're cooking several dishes.
Fixed expressions
In a legal context, there are fixed expressions. Very common ones are 'vor Gericht gehen/stehen' (to go to court / to stand trial), 'jemanden vor Gericht bringen' (to bring someone to court), and 'ein Urteil vor Gericht anfechten' (to challenge a verdict in court).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma und der ehemalige Mitarbeiter trafen sich vor Gericht.
The company and the former employee met in court.
Institution vs. people
In a legal context, 'das Gericht' can refer both to the building or institution and to the group of judges who make a decision. The sentence usually makes clear what is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht hat den Zeugen für nächste Woche geladen.
The court has summoned the witness for next week.
Compare with
Gericht vs Essen
food / meal / eating
'das Essen' and 'das Gericht' can both refer to something you eat. 'Essen' is more general: it can mean food overall or an entire meal. 'Gericht' more often means a specific prepared dish, for example soup, pasta, or curry. In a restaurant, 'Gericht' sounds more precise when talking about one item on offer. At home, people often simply say 'Essen'. The words can be confused because a dish can be part of a meal. Memory tip: every 'Gericht' is 'Essen', but not every 'Essen' is a single 'Gericht'.
Gericht
Nora hat im Restaurant ein vegetarisches Gericht bestellt.
Nora ordered a vegetarian dish at the restaurant.
Essen
Nach dem Gespräch ist das Essen schon kalt geworden.
After the conversation, the food had already gone cold.
In real life
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