verhältnismäßig

Verhältnismäßig is an adjective and adverb in German that denotes something being in an appropriate or proportionate relation to something else. In everyday language it can describe actions, costs, or responses that are fair, reasonable, or adequate given a goal or context. For example, a response to a minor offense would be considered verhältnismäßig if it is not excessive in relation to the wrongdoing.

Etymology and form: Verhältnismäßig derives from Verhältnis (relation, proportion) with the suffix -mäßig, forming an adjective meaning proportionate, or an adverb when used without a noun. The related noun Verhältnismäßigkeit expresses the quality of being proportionate.

Legal context: Verhältnismäßigkeitsprinzip, or the principle of proportionality, is a foundational concept in German constitutional and administrative law and is used in EU contexts as well. It requires that state measures in pursuing legitimate aims be appropriate (geeignet), necessary (erforderlich) to achieve the aim, and proportionate in the narrower sense (verhältnismäßig im engeren Sinn) to the weight of the intrusion or burden caused. If a less intrusive means is available, the measure is deemed disproportionate.

Application and scope: The standard guides judicial review of government actions, such as police measures, administrative ordinances, or restrictions on fundamental rights. Courts assess whether a measure achieves a legitimate aim, whether a less burdensome alternative exists, and whether the overall benefit outweighs the interference. While rooted in law, the concept also appears in everyday language to describe actions that are reasonable and appropriately scaled to the situation.

In summary, verhältnismäßig describes proportionate balance, a central principle in German law and a broader notion of fair, well-justified action.