Verhältnismäßigkeit
proportionality; principle of proportionality in law
noun fer-HELT-nis-maes-ikh-kite Rare
Usage Note
Verhältnismäßigkeit is a central principle of German constitutional and administrative law, requiring that any state measure be suitable, necessary and proportionate to its aim. Courts apply a three-step test: Geeignetheit (suitability), Erforderlichkeit (necessity) and Angemessenheit (proportionality in the narrow sense).
Examples
"Das Gericht prüfte, ob die Maßnahme den Grundsatz der Verhältnismäßigkeit wahrte."
Natural Translation
The court examined whether the measure upheld the principle of proportionality.
Literal Translation
The court checked whether the measure maintained the principle of proportionality.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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