geltende

Geltende is a German adjective formed from the verb gelten, meaning to apply or be valid. In legal and regulatory contexts it denotes that something is in force or applicable at a given time. It highlights the current authority, status, or scope of law, regulation, or normative rule, as opposed to past, proposed, or repealed rules. Phrases such as geltende Rechtslage, geltende Vorschriften, oder geltendes Recht describe the legal situation that currently applies.

Usage and forms: Geltend is used attributively before nouns, for example das geltende Recht, die geltenden Vorschriften, der geltende Vertrag, or die geltende Verordnung. The form adapts to gender and number of the noun: das geltende Recht; die geltenden Vorschriften; der geltende Vertrag. In formal writing the term emphasizes temporality and applicability rather than mere validity.

Distinction and related terms: While gültig is a general synonym meaning “valid” or “in effect,” geltend emphasizes applicability under the current law or rules, often in contrast to proposed, amended, or repealed rules. The related noun Geltung means validity or applicability; phrases like in Geltung treten or in Kraft treten describe status changes.

Examples of use: Nach der geltenden Rechtslage ist ein Vertrag wirksam, sobald beide Parteien ihn unterschrieben haben. Die geltenden Brandschutzvorschriften schreiben bestimmte Mindestanforderungen vor. Die geltende Verordnung bestimmt den zulässigen Emissionswert.

See also: Geltung, geltendes Recht, Rechtslage, Rechtsvorschrift, Verordnung.