proportionality
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proportionality
A principle, especially in law, according to which a measure must be in an appropriate proportion to the intended purpose. It must not go beyond what is necessary.
Das Gericht prüfte, ob der Polizeieinsatz dem Grundsatz der Verhältnismäßigkeit entsprach.
The court examined whether the police operation complied with the principle of proportionality.
'Verhältnismäßigkeit' (proportionality) is derived from the noun 'das Verhältnis' (relation, proportion). It describes the state of something being in an appropriate proportion to something else.
Die Verhältnismäßigkeit der eingesetzten Mittel wurde infrage gestellt.
The proportionality of the means used was called into question.
This is a very formal term that plays a central role in German law and administration. It is hardly used in everyday life.
Jede staatliche Maßnahme muss dem Grundsatz der Verhältnismäßigkeit genügen.
Every state measure must satisfy the principle of proportionality.
Common phrases are 'den Grundsatz der Verhältnismäßigkeit wahren' (to uphold the principle of proportionality), 'beachten' (to observe), or 'prüfen' (to examine). The opposite is 'gegen die Verhältnismäßigkeit verstoßen' (to violate proportionality).
Die Polizei muss bei jedem Einsatz die Verhältnismäßigkeit wahren.
The police must uphold proportionality in every operation.
A genitive is often used to indicate whose or what proportionality is meant. A typical structure is 'die Verhältnismäßigkeit der Mittel' (the proportionality of the means) or 'die Verhältnismäßigkeit einer Maßnahme' (the proportionality of a measure).
Das Gericht prüft die Verhältnismäßigkeit der Strafe.
The court examines the proportionality of the punishment.