Urteil
/ˈʊʁtaɪ̯l/neuter
The English phrase verdict translates to German as Urteil. If unsure, use Urteil. Wiktionary also lists Gerichtsurteil.
Meaning: decision on an issue of fact in a civil or criminal case or an inquest (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Urteil | /ˈʊʁtaɪ̯l/ | neuter |
| Gerichtsurteil | neuter |
In a legal context, Urteil refers to a decision on an issue of fact in a civil or criminal case or an inquest. While it can mean a general judgment or opinion in everyday speech, it is the specific term for a formal court verdict. A common way to express reaching or delivering a verdict is to use the phrase ein Urteil fällen.
Which one should you use?
Urteil is the standard word for a verdict or judgment. Gerichtsurteil is a more specific term used to emphasize that the verdict comes specifically from a court.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Urteil is Urteile.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊʁtaɪ̯l/
Did you know?
- The word Gericht in the compound Gerichtsurteil refers to a court, but it is also the exact same word used for a 'dish' or 'meal' in a culinary context.
- In German, the act of delivering a verdict Urteil fällen uses the same verb used for chopping down a tree. This implies a sense of finality and a decisive blow.
- The English word 'ordeal' is a distant linguistic relative of the German Urteil. Both words stem from a common Proto-Germanic root meaning a judicial decision or a judgment.
Examples in context
- Das Urteil liegt vor.The verdict is in.This sentence shows how to say that a verdict is ready using Urteil.Tatoeba #3835010 by Tamy, translation #3734857 by CK
- Das Urteil wurde gefällt.The verdict has been reached.This sentence demonstrates the phrase for a verdict being reached using Urteil.Tatoeba #12126231 by Tamy, translation #5734779 by CM
- Der Richter verkündete das Urteil.The judge read the verdict.This sentence describes a judge reading a verdict using Urteil.Tatoeba #10359880 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10359609 by CK
- Das Urteil wurde heute verkündet.The verdict was announced today.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are talking about a court case in a cafe.
- LukasHast du schon das Urteil gehört, Julia?Have you heard the verdict yet, Julia?
- JuliaNein, Lukas, ich weiß noch nichts.No, Lukas, I don't know anything yet.
- LukasIch hoffe, das Urteil ist fair.I hope the verdict is fair.
- JuliaDas hoffe ich auch.I hope so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “verdict” translations and entries Urteil, Gerichtsurteil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gerichtsurteil, Urteil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
