Gesetzeskonform

Gesetzeskonform is an adjective in German that means “in accordance with the law” or “compliant with legal requirements.” It derives from Gesetz (law) and konform (conforming). The term is used to describe actions, policies, or entities that align with applicable statutory provisions, regulations, and administrative rules.

In practice, gesetzeskonformity is central to compliance management, corporate governance, public administration, and legal debates. Organisations strive to act gesetzeskonform to avoid sanctions and to demonstrate legitimacy. The noun form Gesetzeskonformität (or Gesetzeskonformität) denotes the degree or status of such conformity. It is common to contrast gesetzeskonform actions with gesetzwidrig or rechtswidrig behavior, which denote illegality.

The term is often used interchangeably with rechtskonform, though there can be nuance. Rechtskonform generally refers to conformity with the broader body of law, while gesetzeskonform emphasizes adherence to statutes and regulatory acts at federal, state, or EU levels. In constitutional contexts, phrases like verfassungskonform or verfassungsmäßig may be used to address compatibility with constitutional principles.

In summary, gesetzeskonform describes compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It signals lawful conduct in administrative, corporate, and civil contexts, while acknowledging that legal requirements can change and ongoing review is necessary to maintain conformity.