01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
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
'der Artikel' and 'der Paragraf' can both be sections in legal texts. A 'Paragraf' is usually clearly numbered and is often written with the symbol §. An 'Artikel' is also a section, but it occurs especially in constitutions, laws, treaties/contracts, or international texts. Learners may confuse the words because both organize legal rules. Pay attention to the type of document: in many German laws, people often say 'Paragraf'; in constitutions or treaties/contracts, 'Artikel' can sound very natural.
Paragraf
Der Mitarbeiter nennt im Gespräch den Paragrafen, der für den Antrag wichtig ist.
In the conversation, the employee names the section that is important for the application.
Artikel
Artikel 1 des Grundgesetzes ist in Deutschland sehr bekannt.
Article 1 of the Basic Law is very well known in Germany.
In real life
Loading video examples...