Lautgesetzen

Lautgesetzen (German for “according to the law” or “as the law states”) is a phrase commonly used in German‑language legal discourse to indicate that a statement, action, or requirement is based on statutory provisions. The expression functions as a prepositional adverbial phrase, often appearing before a clause that explains the legal basis for a claim, obligation, or prohibition.

Etymology and structure

The phrase combines the adverbial laut (“according to, in accordance with”) with the dative plural form Gesetzen of Gesetz (“law”, “statute”). It is therefore a fixed collocation and does not vary with gender or number. In formal writing, it is frequently followed by a reference to a specific law, paragraph, article, or decree (e.g., laut § 3 des Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuches).

Legal usage

In statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative notices, lautgesetzen signals that the subsequent content derives directly from normative text. It serves to legitimize an argument and to delineate the scope of authority. For example, a tax authority may state that a particular levy is erhoben lautgesetzen, meaning the levy is imposed in compliance with the relevant tax code.

Related expressions

Synonymous constructions include gemäß dem Gesetz, gemäss Gesetz, and nach den gesetzlichen Bestimmungen. While all convey compliance with legal rules, lautgesetzen emphasizes the source of the rule rather than the manner of compliance.

Translation challenges

In English, lautgesetzen is usually rendered as “according to the law”, “as provided by law”, or “pursuant to the law”. The choice depends on context: “according to the law” is more literal, whereas “pursuant to” may be preferred in formal legal translation.

Cultural and linguistic notes

The phrase reflects the German legal tradition’s emphasis on precision and citation of normative sources. Its frequent use underlines the principle of legal certainty (Rechtsklarheit) by explicitly linking actions to the written statutes that govern them.