court of justice
der Gerichtshof, die Gerichtshöfe
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court of justice
A high or supreme court responsible for administering justice in a particular area or for special legal questions. It is often an instance that decides on judgments made by lower courts.
Der Internationale Gerichtshof in Den Haag ist das Hauptrechtsprechungsorgan der Vereinten Nationen.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gerichtshöfe |
| genitive | des Gerichtshofs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Gerichtshof | die Gerichtshöfe |
| accusative | den Gerichtshof | die Gerichtshöfe |
| dative | dem Gerichtshof | den Gerichtshöfen |
| genitive | des Gerichtshofs des Gerichtshofes | der Gerichtshöfe |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word consists of 'Gericht' (court) and 'Hof' (court/seat). Here, 'Hof' does not mean 'courtyard', but in an old, formal sense refers to the seat of an important institution or ruler. The '-s-' is a linking sound.
Der Gerichtshof hat seinen Sitz in der Hauptstadt.
The court of justice has its seat in the capital.
'Gerichtshof' (court of justice) is a formal term for a high or supreme court. In everyday language, when speaking about local courts, people usually just say 'das Gericht' (the court), e.g. the Amtsgericht or Landgericht.
Der Fall ging bis vor den obersten Gerichtshof des Landes.
The case went all the way to the country's supreme court.
This word is often used with a geographical or legal specification. Well-known examples are the 'Europäische Gerichtshof' (Court of Justice of the European Union, CJEU), the 'Internationale Gerichtshof' (International Court of Justice), or the 'Bundesgerichtshof' (Federal Court of Justice, BGH) in Germany.
Der Europäische Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte schützt die Grundrechte.
The European Court of Human Rights protects fundamental rights.
Das Urteil des Bundesgerichtshofs hat weitreichende Folgen.
The judgment of the Federal Court of Justice has far-reaching consequences.
A person or case appears 'vor dem Gerichtshof' (before the court of justice). If you appeal against a judgment, you can 'an den Gerichtshof' appellieren (appeal to the court of justice) or 'vor den Gerichtshof ziehen' (take the case to the court of justice).
Das Unternehmen musste sich vor dem Gerichtshof verantworten.
The company had to answer before the court of justice.
Die Anwälte wollen mit dem Fall vor den Gerichtshof ziehen.
The lawyers want to take the case to the court of justice.
dish / court
Gericht is the general term for a state institution responsible for administering justice. Gerichtshof, by contrast, refers to a high or supreme court with a specific area of jurisdiction and often appears in official names. Gericht is therefore usually the better choice for an unspecified court.
Der oberste Gerichtshof prüft danach die Entscheidung der unteren Instanz.
The supreme court then reviews the decision of the lower court.
Das zuständige Gericht prüft den Fall in erster Instanz.
The competent court is hearing the case at first instance.
