Anwalt
/ˈanvalt/
The German word for attorney is Anwalt.
Meaning: lawyer (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term Anwalt is composed of the prefix an- (meaning to or at) and walten (meaning to govern, manage or rule).
Which one should you use?
While Anwalt is the common way to say lawyer or attorney, Rechtsanwalt is a more precise and formal professional title used specifically in legal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Anwalt is Anwälte. If you are referring to a female attorney, you use the feminine forms Anwältin or Rechtsanwältin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈanvalt/
Did you know?
- The English word 'empire' shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the German Anwalt, both tracing back to roots meaning 'power' or 'rule'.
- In Germany, a Notar is often a completely different person than your Anwalt. While an Anwalt advocates for one client, a Notar must remain a neutral officer of the state.
- The term Fachanwalt is not just a description of a lawyer's experience but a protected legal title. To use it, an Anwalt must pass a specialized exam and prove a specific number of cases in that field.
Examples in context
- Ich bin sein Anwalt.I'm his attorney.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's role as an Anwalt.Tatoeba #8285098 by GuidoW, translation #12678570 by Adelpa
- Ich will einen Anwalt.I want an attorney.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to speak with an Anwalt.Tatoeba #3104202 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2011401 by CK
- Ich rief meinen Anwalt an.I called my attorney.This sentence is useful for describing the action of contacting one's Anwalt.Tatoeba #3593403 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2300066 by CK
- Ich benötige einen Rechtsanwalt für meine Rechtsangelegenheit.I need an attorney for my legal matter.
- Mein Anwalt hat mir geraten, keine weiteren Informationen preiszugeben.My attorney advised me not to disclose any further information.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a legal matter at home.
- MaximilianBrauchen wir einen Anwalt?Do we need a lawyer?
- SarahJa, das wäre sicherer.Yes, that would be safer.
- MaximilianSoll ich einen Anwalt suchen?Should I look for a lawyer?
- SarahJa, bitte mach das.Yes, please do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Anwalt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Anwalt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
