facts / circumstances
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facts / circumstances
The entirety of the facts, circumstances, and conditions of a particular situation, often in a formal or legal context.
Bevor ein Urteil gefällt werden kann, muss der Richter den genauen Sachverhalt prüfen.
Before a judgment can be made, the judge must examine the exact facts of the case.
The word is made up of 'Sache' (thing, matter) and 'Verhalt'. 'Verhalt' is related to the verb 'sich verhalten' (to behave). 'Sachverhalt' (facts/circumstances) therefore describes how a matter stands, that is, the entirety of the facts and circumstances.
Der Anwalt erklärte den komplexen Sachverhalt mit einfachen Worten.
The lawyer explained the complex facts of the case in simple words.
'Sachverhalt' (facts/circumstances) is a word used in formal language. It is often found in legal, police, or academic texts. It sounds very official and is rarely used in everyday language.
Die Polizei muss den Sachverhalt genau ermitteln.
The police must investigate the facts of the case precisely.
Verbs that express investigation or explanation are often used with 'Sachverhalt' (facts/circumstances). Typical combinations are 'den Sachverhalt klären' (to clarify the facts), 'prüfen' (to examine), 'ermitteln' (to investigate), or 'darstellen' (to present).
Die Journalistin hat den Sachverhalt gründlich recherchiert und dargestellt.
The journalist thoroughly researched and presented the facts of the case.
case / fall
'der Fall' and 'der Sachverhalt' can both mean a particular situation or event. However, 'der Fall' is more general and sounds more natural in everyday language. You can speak of a 'Fall' when something has happened or when the police or a court is investigating something. 'der Sachverhalt' more specifically means the facts and circumstances of a situation. The word sounds more formal and fits well in reports, with authorities, or in legal contexts. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur in connection with problems or investigations. As a practical rule: 'Fall' is the event or problem; 'Sachverhalt' is the exact set of facts related to it.
Vor der Entscheidung möchte die Behörde den Sachverhalt genau prüfen.
Before making a decision, the authority wants to examine the facts carefully.
Die Polizei untersucht den Fall seit Montag.
The police have been investigating the case since Monday.