courthouse
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courthouse
A public building that houses one or more courts and where court hearings take place.
Vor dem Gerichtsgebäude hatten sich zahlreiche Journalisten versammelt.
Numerous journalists had gathered in front of the courthouse.
The word is a clear compound of 'das Gericht' (court, in the sense of justice) and 'das Gebäude' (building). The 's' in between is a linking s that connects the two words.
Das alte Gerichtsgebäude der Stadt steht unter Denkmalschutz.
The city's old courthouse is a listed historic building.
Pay attention to the prepositions and the case: you go 'ins Gerichtsgebäude' (into the courthouse, accusative), are located 'im Gerichtsgebäude' (in the courthouse, dative), and wait 'vor dem Gerichtsgebäude' (in front of the courthouse, dative).
Der Anwalt ist schon im Gerichtsgebäude.
The lawyer is already in the courthouse.
Typical verbs used in connection with a courthouse are 'betreten' (to enter), 'verlassen' (to leave), or 'sichern' (to secure). It is often mentioned in the context of trials and important hearings.
Die Polizei musste das Gerichtsgebäude während des Prozesses stark sichern.
The police had to heavily secure the courthouse during the trial.
dish / court
'das Gericht' and 'das Gerichtsgebäude' are closely connected, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Gericht' is the institution that decides legal disputes or criminal offenses. 'Gerichtsgebäude' is the building where this institution works and where hearings take place. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday speech people often say 'Ich gehe zum Gericht' (I’m going to court), even though they actually mean the building. Strictly speaking, the court makes decisions, but you enter the courthouse.
Am Eingang des Gerichtsgebäudes müssen alle Besucher ihre Taschen kontrollieren lassen.
At the entrance to the courthouse, all visitors have to have their bags checked.
Vor dem Termin schickt das Gericht dem Zeugen einen Brief.
Before the appointment, the court sends the witness a letter.