Anspruch

Anspruch is a German noun with several closely related meanings. In everyday language it denotes a claim or demand placed on someone, or an expectation about how one should be treated. In a more technical sense it refers to an entitlement or right to something, often arising from law, contract, or equity. The basic idea is that a person or party has grounds to demand an outcome or compensation.

With auf + accusative, Anspruch auf etwas expresses an entitlement to something, for example, Anspruch auf Schadenersatz (claim to damages). The verb phrase einen Anspruch erheben means to assert a claim, and Ansprüche geltend machen means to assert or demand one’s claims. The expression hoher Anspruch describes high standards, particularly regarding quality or performance.

In legal contexts, Anspruch denotes a formally recognizable claim that can be pursued in court. Its scope and enforceability depend on the Anspruchsgrundlage (basis of the claim) and possible defenses raised by the opponent, the Anspruchsgegner. The status of a claim can be affected by factors such as prescription or statute of limitations.

Other uses extend to social and normative discussions. The term can describe entitlement in social policy, as in soziale Ansprüche, or a claim to validity, as in Geltungsanspruch. The related adjective anspruchsvoll means demanding or sophisticated, and the phrase hohen Ansprüchen genügen means to meet high standards. Overall, Anspruch connects the ideas of rights, demands, and expectations across legal, social, and everyday contexts.