der Paragraf
section
A numbered section in a law, contract, or other legal text. It is often marked with the symbol §.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt zitierte Paragraf 218 des Strafgesetzbuches.
The lawyer cited section 218 of the Criminal Code.
der Paragraf
section / stickler
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Meanings
der Paragraf
stickler
A person who is overly precise, pedantic, and formal and strictly follows rules. This meaning is figurative and rather rare.
EXAMPLE
Unser alter Lehrer war ein wandelnder Paragraf, bei dem jedes Komma stimmen musste.
Our old teacher was a walking stickler for rules, someone for whom every comma had to be correct.
Usage tips
The symbol §
The symbol § is always pronounced 'Paragraf' (section). So if you see '§ 1' in a text, you read it as 'Paragraf eins' (section one).
EXAMPLE
Bitte lesen Sie § 5 des Vertrags sorgfältig durch.
Please read section 5 of the contract carefully.
Sentence structure and usage
A 'Paragraf' (section) is usually mentioned with its number and the corresponding legal text. The typical structure is 'Paragraf [Nummer] des [Gesetzes]' (section [number] of the [law]) or 'in Paragraf [Nummer]' (in section [number]).
EXAMPLE
Die Regelung finden Sie in Paragraf 12 des Mietvertrags.
You will find the regulation in section 12 of the rental agreement.
Typical verbs
In a legal context, 'Paragraf' (section) is often used with verbs such as 'zitieren' (to cite), 'sich beziehen auf' (to refer to), or 'verweisen auf' (to refer to).
EXAMPLE
Mein Anwalt bezog sich auf einen kaum bekannten Paragrafen.
My lawyer referred to a little-known section.
Figurative meaning
When a person is called a 'Paragraf' (stickler), it is meant figuratively. It describes an overly precise and pedantic person and is used rather rarely and colloquially.
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Chef ist ein echter Paragraf, alles muss exakt nach Vorschrift laufen.
My new boss is a real stickler; everything has to be done exactly according to the rules.
Compare with
Paragraf vs Artikel
article
Artikel and Paragraf can both refer to a numbered section of a legal text. The document’s official structure determines which term is used. A section marked with § is called a Paragraf; other documents may call their sections Artikel.
Paragraf
Die Regelung steht in Paragraf 3 des Vertrags.
The provision is set out in Section 3 of the contract.
Artikel
Die Regelung steht in Artikel 3 des Vertrags.
The provision is set out in Article 3 of the contract.
In real life
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