01
das Urteil
verdict
The formal, legal decision of a court at the end of a trial.
example
Das Gericht wird morgen sein Urteil verkünden.
The court will announce its verdict tomorrow.
das Urteil
judgment / verdict
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Urteil' (judgment/verdict) is related to the verb 'urteilen' (to judge). You should not judge other people too hastily, meaning you should not form an opinion too quickly.
EXAMPLE
Es ist leicht, über andere zu urteilen, ohne die ganze Geschichte zu kennen.
It is easy to judge others without knowing the whole story.
Context clue: verbs
You can often recognize the meaning of 'Urteil' (judgment/verdict) from the verb. In a legal context, a verdict is 'gefällt' (passed/given) or 'gesprochen' (pronounced). A personal opinion as a judgment, on the other hand, is 'gebildet' (formed) or 'abgegeben' (given/expressed).
EXAMPLE
Der Richter hat ein mildes Urteil gefällt.
The judge passed a lenient verdict.
Typical verbs
In the legal sense, 'Urteil' (verdict) is used with fixed verbs. The most common are 'ein Urteil fällen' (to pass a verdict), 'ein Urteil sprechen' (to pronounce a verdict), and 'ein Urteil verkünden' (to announce a verdict).
EXAMPLE
Das Urteil wird nächste Woche verkündet.
The verdict will be announced next week.
Preposition 'über'
When 'Urteil' (judgment) means a personal opinion, it often refers to a person or thing. This is connected with the preposition 'über' (about) and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann mir noch kein Urteil über den neuen Kollegen erlauben.
I can't allow myself to form a judgment about the new colleague yet.
Compare with
Urteil vs Meinung
opinion
'die Meinung' and 'das Urteil' can both express a personal assessment. 'Meinung' is more neutral and more general: you say what you think about a topic. 'Urteil' sounds more like an evaluation. You have looked at something, thought about it, and come to an assessment. Because of this, 'Urteil' can also sound harsher or more final. The words can be confused because neither one necessarily refers to a court. In everyday language, 'Meinung' is usually simpler and more natural; 'Urteil' fits when someone is consciously evaluating something.
Urteil
Nach dem Gespräch bildet sich der Chef ein erstes Urteil über den Bewerber.
After the conversation, the boss forms an initial judgment of the applicant.
Meinung
Am Morgen fragt Lisa ihre Freundin nach ihrer Meinung zur Reise.
In the morning, Lisa asks her friend for her opinion about the trip.
In real life
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