bailiff
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bailiff
A judicial officer responsible for forcibly enforcing court judgments and orders. One main task is collecting debts, for example by seizing property.
Wenn die Rechnung nicht bezahlt wird, schickt das Gericht einen Gerichtsvollzieher.
If the bill is not paid, the court sends a bailiff.
The word is a compound of 'Gericht' (court), 'vollziehen' (to execute/enforce), and the ending '-er.' So it literally describes a person who executes or enforces the judgments of a court.
Ein Gerichtsvollzieher arbeitet im Auftrag des Staates.
A bailiff works on behalf of the state.
Common verbs connected with this profession are 'pfänden' (to seize/garnish) and 'kassieren' (to collect money). A typical expression, often with negative associations, is: 'Der Gerichtsvollzieher steht vor der Tür' (the bailiff is at the door).
Der Gerichtsvollzieher kam, um den Fernseher zu pfänden.
The bailiff came to seize the television.
This is an official job title from the legal system. In everyday life, the word has a strongly negative connotation because it is associated with debt and financial problems.
Viele Menschen haben Angst vor einem Besuch vom Gerichtsvollzieher.
Many people are afraid of a visit from the bailiff.