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
das Gericht
court
A state institution that decides legal disputes and criminal offenses; a court of law.
EXAMPLE
Der Fall wird nächste Woche vor Gericht verhandelt.
The case will be heard in court next week.
das Gericht
court
The group of judges involved in reaching a verdict.
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht zog sich zur Beratung zurück.
The court withdrew to deliberate.
das Gericht
judgment
In a religious or figurative sense, the judgment of someone, especially divine judgment.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Religionen gibt es die Vorstellung vom Jüngsten Gericht.
In many religions, there is the idea of the Last Judgment.
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 Urteil
judgment / verdict
In a religious context, Gericht and Urteil both refer to divine judgment. Gericht refers more to the process or act of judging. Urteil, on the other hand, means the specific decision that results from this judgment.
Gericht
Nach christlicher Vorstellung erwartet die Menschen am Ende das göttliche Gericht.
According to Christian belief, people face divine judgment at the end of time.
Urteil
Nach christlicher Vorstellung verkündet Gott am Ende sein Urteil über die Menschen.
According to Christian belief, God will announce his judgment on people at the end of time.
In real life
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