tribunal
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tribunal
A court, especially a special court established to investigate and judge particular crimes such as war crimes or political offenses.
Die Hauptkriegsverbrecher wurden vor ein internationales Tribunal in Nürnberg gestellt.
The major war criminals were brought before an international tribunal in Nuremberg.
'Das Tribunal' (tribunal) is a very formal word with a serious, often historical character. It is not used for ordinary courts, but for special judicial proceedings, often in connection with politics, history, or international law.
Das internationale Tribunal tagte mehrere Monate lang.
The international tribunal was in session for several months.
In its literal meaning, the word is often connected with international law and serious crimes. Typical combinations are 'internationales Tribunal' (international tribunal), 'Kriegsverbrechertribunal' (war crimes tribunal), or the phrase 'jemanden vor ein Tribunal stellen' (to bring someone before a tribunal).
Die Verantwortlichen für den Völkermord mussten sich vor einem Tribunal verantworten.
Those responsible for the genocide had to answer before a tribunal.
In a figurative sense, 'Tribunal' (tribunal) describes a situation of sharp public criticism, especially in the media or politics. A typical formulation is that an event 'zu einem Tribunal wird' (turns into a tribunal).
Das Interview entwickelte sich für den Politiker zu einem Tribunal.
The interview turned into a tribunal for the politician.
dish / court
'das Gericht' and 'das Tribunal' can both mean a body that decides on guilt and punishment. 'Gericht' is the normal and general word for a state legal institution. 'Tribunal' more often means a special court, often for serious or political crimes, for example war crimes. It sounds more formal and more specific than 'Gericht'. For ordinary trials, you almost always say 'Gericht'; 'Tribunal' fits when referring to a special proceeding with major legal or political significance.
Das Tribunal untersuchte schwere Verbrechen aus dem Krieg.
The tribunal investigated serious crimes from the war.
Vor Gericht sagte der Zeuge ruhig aus.
In court, the witness gave his testimony calmly.