öffentlichrechtlichem

Öffentlichrechtlich is an adjective used in German legal language to describe things that pertain to or are governed by public law (Öffentliches Recht). It is used to distinguish public-law norms, institutions, and procedures from those of private law (Privatrecht). In German doctrine, Öffentliches Recht encompasses areas such as constitutional law, administrative law, tax law, social law, and procedural law, and may extend to public international law in context.

The term appears in a variety of formulations, for example öffentlichrechtliche Vorschriften (public-law provisions), öffentlich-rechtliche Körperschaften (public-law corporations), öffentlich-rechtliche Gebühren (public-law charges), or öffentlich-rechtlicher Vertrag (public-law contract). The dative form öffentlichrechtlichem is used in sentences like "im öffentlichrechtlichem Bereich" (in the public-law domain). The contrast between öffentliches Recht and Privatrecht is a fundamental distinction in German legal education and practice.

Etymologically, the word combines öffentlich (public) with Recht (law), forming a descriptor that signals the normative and institutional framework of public law. The expression is neutral and descriptive, indicating that a rule, institution, or action operates within the public-law system, with associated authorities, procedures, and remedies that differ from those in private-law relations.