international law
das Völkerrecht
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international law
The body of legal norms that regulate relations between states as well as between states and international organizations.
Der Angriff wurde von vielen Nationen als klarer Bruch des Völkerrechts verurteilt.
The attack was condemned by many nations as a clear violation of international law.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Völkerrechts |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Völkerrecht | – |
| accusative | das Völkerrecht | – |
| dative | dem Völkerrecht | – |
| genitive | des Völkerrechts des Völkerrechtes | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'Völker', the plural of 'das Volk' (nation, people), and 'das Recht' (law, right). So it literally means 'the law of peoples' or 'the law between nations.'
Die Vereinten Nationen setzen sich für die Einhaltung der Menschenrechte und des Völkerrechts ein.
The United Nations works to ensure respect for human rights and international law.
Common verbs used with 'Völkerrecht' (international law) are 'das Völkerrecht brechen' (to break international law), 'verletzen' (to violate), or 'achten' (to respect). A typical formulation is also 'ein Bruch des Völkerrechts' (a violation of international law).
Das Land wird beschuldigt, das Völkerrecht gebrochen zu haben.
The country is accused of having broken international law.
'Völkerrecht' (international law) is a technical term from politics and legal studies. It is used mainly in formal contexts such as the news, political debates, or academic texts.
Die Professorin hält eine Vorlesung über die Grundlagen des Völkerrechts.
The professor is giving a lecture on the foundations of international law.
