constitutional court
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constitutional court
A highest court whose main task is to oversee compliance with the constitution. It examines whether laws and actions of the state are compatible with the constitution.
Der Verfassungsgerichtshof in Österreich hat das neue Überwachungsgesetz als verfassungswidrig eingestuft.
The Constitutional Court in Austria classified the new surveillance law as unconstitutional.
This long word is easy to break down: it consists of 'Verfassung' (constitution) and 'Gerichtshof' (court of justice). A Gerichtshof is a high court, so it is literally the 'court of justice of the constitution.'
Das Gesetz muss nun vom Verfassungsgerichtshof geprüft werden.
The law must now be reviewed by the Constitutional Court.
In legal and political contexts, the court is often 'angerufen' (appealed to) or one 'wendet sich an' (turns to) the court. Laws are 'geprüft' (reviewed), 'bestätigt' (upheld), or 'für verfassungswidrig erklärt' (declared unconstitutional) by it.
Die Opposition will sich wegen des Gesetzes an den Verfassungsgerichtshof wenden.
The opposition wants to turn to the Constitutional Court because of the law.
This word belongs to the formal specialized language of law and politics. You mainly find it in news reports, official documents, and political discussions.
In der Nachrichtensendung wurde über eine Entscheidung des Verfassungsgerichtshofs berichtet.
The news program reported on a decision by the Constitutional Court.
constitutional court
'Verfassungsgericht' and 'Verfassungsgerichtshof' both refer to a court that examines whether laws and government actions comply with the constitution. They can easily be confused because their function is very similar and both words sound long and official. 'Verfassungsgericht' is the more general term. 'Verfassungsgerichtshof' is often the exact name of such a highest court in certain countries or federal states. When you are speaking generally about the type of court, 'Verfassungsgericht' fits. When that is the official name, 'Verfassungsgerichtshof' is more precise.
In den Nachrichten geht es heute um eine Entscheidung des Verfassungsgerichtshofs.
Today's news is about a decision by the constitutional court.
Die Lehrerin erklärt, dass das Verfassungsgericht auch neue Gesetze prüfen kann.
The teacher explains that the constitutional court can also review new laws.