spruch

Spruch is a German noun (masculine: der Spruch) with several related senses. In everyday language it denotes a short, memorable utterance that expresses a general truth or practical wisdom—a proverb, maxim, or adage. The term is related to Sprichwort and Zitat, but Spruch covers a broader range of concise statements, from witty one-liners to formal mottos or watchwords. In literary and rhetorical contexts a Spruch may be quoted as a concise formulation.

In legal and administrative language, Spruch can also mean a formal ruling, sentence, or pronouncement issued by a court, commission, or other authority. Phrases such as der Spruch des Gerichts or einen Spruch fällen describe this sense, highlighting a decisive or authoritative statement.

Historically, the word appears in institutional contexts such as Spruchkammer, the denazification chambers established after World War II in Germany, whose function was to determine individuals’ liability or exemption; the decisions delivered in those proceedings were referred to as Sprüche.

Etymology-wise, Spruch derives from Germanic roots associated with spoken utterances and proclamation, reflecting its core sense as something spoken or proclaimed. The plural Sprüche is commonly used when referring to a collection of sayings. In modern use, Spruch remains common in journalism, literature, and law, where it denotes both a compact saying and, in formal contexts, an official ruling.