Anwaltsassistent
masculine
The English word paralegal is Anwaltsassistent in German. Wiktionary also lists Anwaltsassistentin and Rechtsanwaltsgehilfe.
Meaning: one who assists a lawyer (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Anwaltsassistent | masculine |
| Anwaltsassistentin | feminine |
| Rechtsanwaltsgehilfe | masculine |
| Rechtsanwaltsgehilfin | feminine |
A paralegal is one who assists a lawyer.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Anwaltsassistent is a compound of Anwalt (lawyer) and Assistent (assistant). The word Rechtsanwaltsgehilfe is a compound of Rechtsanwalt (lawyer) and Gehilfe (helper/assistant).
Which one should you use?
Anwaltsassistent sounds more modern and professional, whereas Rechtsanwaltsgehilfe can sound slightly more traditional or old-fashioned.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Anwaltsassistent is Anwaltsassistenten.
Did you know?
- While Anwaltsassistent describes the role, many people in this position hold a specific vocational qualification called Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte, which requires a multi-year formal apprenticeship.
- The term Anwaltsassistent is a 'loan translation' from English, meaning it was created by translating the English concept into German components.
- The word Gehilfe in Rechtsanwaltsgehilfe is an etymological cousin to the English word 'help'.
Examples in context
- Ich studiere, um ein/e Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/r zu werden.I'm studying to become a paralegal.
- Guten Tag, mein Name ist [Dein Name], und ich bin ein/e Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/r.Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a paralegal.
- Ich arbeite als Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/r in einer renommierten Anwaltskanzlei.I work as a paralegal in a prestigious law firm.
- Meine Schwester ist eine juristische Assistentin.My sister is a paralegal.
- Ich helfe Anwälten in einer Anwaltskanzlei.I assist lawyers at a law firm.
- Ich arbeite seit drei Jahren als juristische/r Assistent/in.I have been working as a paralegal for three years.
- Er arbeitet als Anwaltsassistent in Berlin.He works as a paralegal in Berlin.
- Der Anwaltsassistent bereitet die Dokumente vor.The paralegal prepares the documents.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are discussing a new hire at the law firm.
- MaximilianHast du den neuen Anwaltsassistenten schon getroffen?Have you met the new paralegal yet?
- HannahJa, er ist sehr kompetent und freundlich.Yes, he is very competent and friendly.
- MaximilianDas ist gut für unser Team.That is good for our team.
- HannahIch stimme dir vollkommen zu, Maximilian.I completely agree with you, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paralegal” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
