der Gerichtssaal
courtroom
The room in a courthouse where court hearings and trials take place.
EXAMPLE
Der Angeklagte wurde von den Wachtmeistern in den Gerichtssaal geführt.
The defendant was led into the courtroom by the bailiffs.
der Gerichtssaal
courtroom
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Gerichtssaal' (courtroom) is a compound noun made from 'das Gericht' (court), the linking s, and 'der Saal' (hall; a large room). So it is literally the 'Saal des Gerichts' (hall of the court).
EXAMPLE
Die Verhandlung findet im größten Gerichtssaal des Gebäudes statt.
The trial is taking place in the largest courtroom in the building.
Prepositions: location vs. direction
Pay attention to the case after the preposition 'in'. 'In den Gerichtssaal' (into the courtroom; accusative) describes movement into it, while 'im Gerichtssaal' (in the courtroom; dative) describes the place where someone is located.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge betrat den Gerichtssaal.
The witness entered the courtroom.
Typical verbs
Common verbs connected with 'Gerichtssaal' (courtroom) describe entering, leaving, or what happens in the room. Typical phrases are: 'den Gerichtssaal betreten' (to enter the courtroom), 'jemanden in den Saal führen' (to lead someone into the hall), or 'im Gerichtssaal verhandeln' (to hold proceedings in the courtroom).
EXAMPLE
Alle mussten aufstehen, als der Richter den Gerichtssaal betrat.
Everyone had to stand up when the judge entered the courtroom.
Compare with
Gerichtssaal vs Sitzungssaal
meeting room
Gerichtssaal and Sitzungssaal both refer to rooms where several people come together. Gerichtssaal is the specific term for a court hearing, while Sitzungssaal is generally used for meetings or conferences. When a court is involved, Gerichtssaal is the right term; otherwise, use Sitzungssaal depending on the type of meeting.
Gerichtssaal
Im Gerichtssaal beginnt um neun Uhr die Verhandlung.
The hearing begins at nine o'clock in the courtroom.
Sitzungssaal
Im Sitzungssaal beginnt um neun Uhr die Besprechung des Gemeinderats.
The municipal council's meeting begins at nine o'clock in the meeting room.
In real life
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