Versäumnis

Versäumnis is a German noun meaning omission or failure to perform an action that should have been taken. It can refer to neglecting duties, failing to meet obligations, or missing a required deadline. In everyday usage, people speak of “eine Frist versäumen” (to miss a deadline) or of someone’s “Versäumnis,” as in an overlooked obligation or skipped appointment. The term carries a neutral core meaning but can imply fault or responsibility for not acting.

Etymology and form: Versäumnis is derived from the verb versäumen, which means to miss or neglect. The noun form denotes the act or instance of failing to do what one should. The word is feminine in German: die Versäumnis.

Usage and contexts: Beyond general use, Versäumnis occurs in professional, administrative, and legal contexts. In contract law or administration, a Versäumnis may refer to a missed deadline or an omission that affects rights or remedies. Phrases such as “Versäumnis einer Frist” or “Versäumnis der Pflichten” are common when describing neglected duties or delayed actions.

Legal context: In German civil procedure, denoting a specific subcategory of default, the term is linked to terms like Versäumnisurteil, a default judgment issued when a party fails to appear or respond within the prescribed time. Such judgments typically acknowledge the plaintiff’s claim to the extent stated in the complaint, unless the default is subsequently challenged. The party affected can usually seek remedy through prescribed objection procedures within statutory time limits.

See also: Versäumnisurteil, Frist, Verzug, Unterlassung.

Notes: Versäumnis is a broad term; its precise implications depend on context, especially in legal settings where procedural rules govern corresponding remedies and defenses.